Car Shipping UK to Mexico, Vera Cruz | RORO & Container
- Fast Information
- Cost starts from: £1029
- Roll on/Roll off: Yes ✓
- Container Shipping: Yes ✓
- Frequency of sailing: Monthly
Shipping a car from the UK to Mexico takes 19-29 days by RoRo from Southampton to Veracruz or Altamira, with sailings monthly. Prices start from £1,029 for saloon cars. Container shipping is also available. All vehicles require Mexican import documentation; eligibility and duties depend on the vehicle’s origin compliance and model year.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Mexico from the UK?
RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) is the most cost-effective method for shipping a running vehicle to Mexico. Our rates are:
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Saloon cars: from £1,029
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4×4s and SUVs: from £1,532
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Vans, motorhomes, and larger vehicles: quoted individually based on overall dimensions
All prices cover UK port handling at Southampton through to arrival at Veracruz or Altamira. They do not include Mexican import duties, local customs clearance, or onward delivery within Mexico — these are arranged separately and vary by vehicle and circumstances.
UK collection is available via trade plate driver or car transporter. Collection costs depend on your distance from Southampton.
How Long Does Shipping to Mexico Take?
The sea transit from Southampton to Mexico takes approximately 19–29 days. Sailings operate monthly on RoRo service to Veracruz and Altamira.
Once your vehicle arrives at the Mexican port, it will need to clear Mexican customs before release. Clearance timelines vary depending on documentation and the importer’s circumstances — your Mexican customs agent (agente aduanal) will manage this process.
Which Ports Does My Car Travel Through?
UK departure port: Southampton
Mexican arrival ports:
- Veracruz — Mexico’s principal vehicle import port on the Gulf Coast. Handles both RoRo and container shipments. Well-connected to central Mexico and Mexico City.
- Altamira — A dedicated RoRo port in Tamaulipas, also on the Gulf Coast. Frequently used for vehicle imports and offers efficient vehicle-handling facilities.
We will confirm which port your shipment is routed through at the time of booking, based on the sailing schedule.
RoRo or Container — Which Is Right for Shipping to Mexico?
RoRo is the standard and most affordable option for running vehicles. Your car is driven onto a purpose-built vehicle carrier, secured below deck with wheel straps, and monitored throughout the voyage. It is the method most commonly used on the UK–Mexico route.
Container shipping is available for vehicles requiring additional protection — classic cars, prestige vehicles, or non-running cars that cannot be driven. We offer both sole-use and shared container options. Container rates are higher than RoRo; contact us for a quote based on your vehicle.
What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Car to Mexico?
For the UK export side, Ship Cars will require:
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V5C logbook (or equivalent title document)
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Photo page of the consignee’s passport
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Purchase or sales invoice for the vehicle
You will also need to notify the DVLA of the permanent export using the V5C — this is a UK legal requirement before the vehicle leaves the country.
For the Mexican import side, documentation requirements depend on whether you are importing temporarily or permanently (see below). A licensed Mexican customs broker (agente aduanal) manages the import paperwork at the destination port. Ship Cars can recommend agents we work with regularly at both Veracruz and Altamira.
What Are the Import Rules for Bringing a UK Car into Mexico?
This is the most important section for anyone relocating or shipping a vehicle for long-term use. Mexico distinguishes between two types of import — and the rules are very different.
Temporary importation (for tourists and short-term stays) If you are visiting Mexico or staying temporarily, you can import your vehicle under a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP), administered by Banjercito. The TIP is tied to your visa or stay period and must be cancelled when you leave Mexico with the vehicle. This route is relatively straightforward.
Permanent/definitive importation (for residents and long-term use) Permanently importing a UK car into Mexico is more complex. Mexico’s Definitive Importation Decree (currently extended to November 2026) sets the eligibility conditions. Key points:
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The decree requires a certificate of origin confirming the vehicle meets USMCA/T-MEC (the US–Mexico–Canada Agreement) standards. UK-origin vehicles are not automatically covered by USMCA — this is a critical point for most UK buyers and must be confirmed with a licensed Mexican customs broker before shipping.
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Import duty for eligible used vehicles is typically around 10% of the vehicle’s declared value, plus 16% IVA (Mexican VAT) and a customs processing fee.
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Vehicle model year eligibility applies — broadly, vehicles 8–9 years old from the current calendar year have been eligible under recent decree terms.
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The decree has been extended and revised multiple times since 2022. Confirm current eligibility requirements with SAT (sat.gob.mx) or a licensed agente aduanal before shipping.
Disclaimer: Mexican vehicle import regulations have changed frequently. The information above reflects the position as of July 2026. Ship Cars manages the UK export side of every shipment. For Mexican customs clearance, eligibility confirmation, and duty calculations, always engage a licensed Mexican customs broker (agente aduanal) before shipping.
What Is Marine Insurance for My Vehicle?
All vehicles shipped by Ship Cars are covered by marine transit insurance for the sea voyage. We will confirm the terms and level of cover at the time of booking. You should ensure the declared value of your vehicle accurately reflects its replacement cost.
Ship Your Car to Mexico With Ship Cars Ltd?
Our team handles everything on the UK side — export documentation, port delivery, and bill of lading. We work with trusted customs agents at Veracruz and Altamira to ensure a smooth handover on arrival.
Contact us today for further information or visit our sailing schedule and get an instant quote to schedule your car shipping with us.
Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping to Mexico
How much does it cost to ship a car to Mexico from the UK?
RoRo shipping for a standard saloon starts from £1,029 from Southampton, covering all UK port fees to arrival in Mexico. 4×4s and SUVs start from £1,583. These prices do not include Mexican import duties or local customs clearance costs, which vary by vehicle and individual circumstances.
How long does shipping a car to Mexico take?
The sea transit from Southampton to Veracruz or Altamira takes approximately 28–35 days. Sailings operate monthly. Time at the Mexican port for customs clearance is additional and depends on documentation and local processing times.
Can I ship a right-hand drive UK car to Mexico permanently?
Mexico drives on the right, so standard UK vehicles are right-hand drive (RHD). Whether an RHD vehicle can be permanently registered in Mexico should be confirmed with a licensed Mexican customs broker (agente aduanal) before shipping, as eligibility depends on current SAT regulations and vehicle specifics.
Do I need to notify the DVLA before shipping my car to Mexico?
Yes. If you are permanently exporting your vehicle, you must notify the DVLA using the V5C logbook before the car leaves the UK. Ship Cars will guide you through the UK export process, including the documentation we require.
Does Ship Cars handle Mexican customs clearance?
Ship Cars manages the full UK export process, including port handling and export documentation. For Mexican import clearance, we work with trusted local customs agents at Veracruz and Altamira and can recommend an agente aduanal to handle the import side. We will connect you with the right agent at the time of booking.
Is container shipping available to Mexico?
Yes. Container shipping is available for non-running vehicles, classic cars, or vehicles requiring additional protection. We offer sole-use and shared container options. Contact us for a container shipping quote based on your vehicle’s make, model, and dimensions.
