Car Shipping to Mombasa from UK | Kenya

Ship Cars Ltd ships vehicles from the UK to Mombasa, Kenya via RoRo and container services to Kilindini Harbour (Port of Mombasa), with 32 days transit and one sailing per month. RoRo starts from £1,327 for a standard car. Kenya drives on the left — UK right-hand drive vehicles are fully road-legal. An 8-year vehicle age limit applies. A mandatory Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from Intertek UK and an Import Declaration Form (IDF) via KenTrade are both required before shipment. We handle all UK export documentation.

Car Shipping to Mombasa From UK | Reliable RoRo & Container Shipping to Kenya

When it comes to exporting your vehicle from the UK to Mombasa, Kenya, Ship Cars Ltd. is your trusted partner. We offer comprehensive shipping solutions tailored to your needs, ensuring your car arrives safely and efficiently at its destination. This guide provides detailed information on our services, the necessary procedures, and what you can expect when shipping a vehicle to Mombasa.

What Port Does My Car Arrive at in Mombasa?

Vehicles shipped to Mombasa arrive at Kilindini Harbour — the main commercial port of Mombasa, operated by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) on the south side of Mombasa Island. Kilindini is East Africa’s largest port and handles both RoRo vessel arrivals and container terminal operations.

Kilindini Harbour specifics:

• RoRo arrivals: Vessels dock at dedicated RoRo berths; vehicles are driven off directly into KPA marshalling yards
• Container arrivals: Processed at the Kenya International Container Terminal (KICT), operated by DP World
• Customs clearance: KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority) customs declarations are processed at the port; your Mombasa clearing agent manages this
• KEBS inspection: Kenya Bureau of Standards inspectors verify CoC compliance at the port
• Typical port clearance: 5–14 working days after vessel arrival

Onward delivery from Mombasa to key Kenyan destinations:

• Nairobi: approximately 480km via A109 Mombasa-Nairobi Highway — approximately 6 hours
• Malindi: approximately 120km north — approximately 2 hours
• Kisumu: approximately 640km — approximately 8 hours
• Nakuru: approximately 540km — approximately 7 hours
• Eldoret: approximately 660km — approximately 8 hours

Car carriers from Mombasa to Nairobi are available and commonly used for vehicle imports. Your Mombasa clearing agent can arrange inland transport.

Ship Cars Ltd. offers two primary methods for shipping your vehicle to Mombasa:

1. RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) Shipping

At Ship Cars, we offer a range of vehicle shipping options, from Roll on Roll Off (RoRo) which is highly cost effective and Full Container Load (FCL) when shipping luxury, electric or hybrid cars.  

• Cost: For a small car, RoRo shipping to Mombasa costs £1,327. For larger vehicles like a Range Rover, the cost is £1,453.

• Transit Time: 27 days.

• Sailing Frequency: Monthly

Important Considerations for RoRo:

2. Container Shipping       

At Ship Cars, we offer a range of vehicle shipping options, from Roll on Roll Off (RoRo) which is highly cost effective to Less than Container load (LCL), perfect for when you are looking to load your car when shipping and Full Container Load (FCL) when shipping luxury, electric or hybrid cars.

Documentation Required for Shipping

UK Documentation:

Accurate UK Documents are needed when shipping vehicles.

•       Pre-shipping Checklist for cars leaving the UK. 
•       International Car Shipping

Requirements in Kenya can be complex and vary based on the purpose of import (permanent export, transfer of residence, temporary import). It is essential to be fully compliant.

For more information read our blog : Marine Insurance for Vehicle Shipping: Comprehensive Coverage Options and Pricing

1. Bill of Lading: This is the legal document issued by the shipping company, acting as a receipt for the shipment and a contract of carriage. You will need the original Bill of Lading to clear your vehicle at the port.

2. Import Declaration Form (IDF): This is a mandatory pre-arrival declaration required by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). It can be obtained online through the KenTrade portal.

   • Link: Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade)

3. Certificate of Conformity (CoC): For vehicles imported into Kenya, a Certificate of Conformity from a KEBS-approved inspection body is typically required. This certifies that the vehicle meets Kenyan standards. Intertek is one such approved inspection agency.

   • Link: Intertek Kenya (You will need to navigate their site to find the relevant vehicle inspection services).

4. Proof of Ownership: Original V5C or equivalent documentation.

5. Proof of Residence/Purpose: Depending on the import type (see below), you may need proof of residency, employment, or purpose of import.

6. Import Duty and Tax Documentation: Proof of payment of applicable duties and taxes.

7. Letter of Request: A formal letter outlining the details of the vehicle and the reason for import.

Note: We strongly advise consulting with a local clearing agent in Mombasa to ensure all destination-specific requirements are met precisely.

Kenya Import Duty and Tax Structure (Indicative):

Import Rules for Mombasa (Kenya)

Kenya has specific regulations for importing vehicles, categorized by purpose:

1. Permanent Export/Import

This is for individuals or entities intending to permanently own and use the vehicle in Kenya.

• Requirements:

  • The vehicle must generally not be older than 8 years from the year of first registration to be imported permanently. (This is a critical KEBS regulation).

  • A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is mandatory.

  • The importer must be a resident of Kenya or have the necessary permits to reside and own a vehicle.

  • Payment of all applicable import duties, excise duty, VAT, and other taxes.

• Authority: The primary authority for standards is the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). For customs and tax, it’s the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

  • Link: Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)

2. Transfer of Residence (ToR)

This scheme allows returning Kenyan citizens or individuals taking up permanent residence in Kenya to import one motor vehicle, including double-cab pick-ups, subject to certain conditions, often with duty concessions.

• Requirements:

  • The importer must be a returning Kenyan citizen or a person granted permanent residence.

  • The vehicle must have been owned and used by the importer in their country of previous residence for at least 12 months prior to the date of importation.

  • The vehicle must not be more than 8 years old from the year of first registration.

  • The ToR declaration must be made within 6 months of the importer’s arrival in Kenya.

  • A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is still required.

• Authority: Managed by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

3. Temporary Importation

This allows non-residents to import a vehicle for a limited period, usually for tourism or specific projects, without paying full import duties.

• Requirements:

  • The importer must be a non-resident visitor.

  • The vehicle is typically allowed for a period of up to 12 months, which can sometimes be extended.

  • A Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) is required, which can often be obtained from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) or the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

  • The vehicle must be re-exported at the end of the permitted period.

  • Prohibited Items: Importing goods (other than essential vehicle spares) within a temporarily imported vehicle is generally not allowed.

• Authority: Primarily Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and potentially the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) for port-specific clearance.

  • Link: Price Breakdown for Shipping RoRo, LCL, and FCL

  • Link: Kenya Ports Authority (KPA)

Inspections and Permits

Several inspections and permits may be required before your vehicle can be cleared in Mombasa:

1. Pre-Export Inspection (UK): While not always mandatory for the UK side for our services, we offer a complimentary pre-shipment inspection if we collect your vehicle.  Pre-Arrival Inspection (Kenya):

   • Certificate of Conformity (CoC): As mentioned, this is mandatory and obtained from an approved inspection agency (like Intertek) in the country of export. It verifies that the vehicle meets Kenyan safety and environmental standards.

   • Import Declaration Form (IDF): This must be obtained via the KenTrade portal before the vessel arrives.

   • KEBS Inspection: Upon arrival, KEBS or its appointed agents may conduct physical inspections to ensure compliance with standards and confirm details against the CoC and IDF.

2. Customs Inspection (KRA): The Kenya Revenue Authority will conduct customs clearance. They may physically inspect the vehicle to verify its details, assess duties and taxes, and ensure it matches the declared information.

Where to Obtain:

• CoC: Through designated inspection bodies such as Intertek in the UK.

• IDF: Online via the KenTrade portal.

• Customs Clearance & Permits: Through a licensed Clearing Agent in Mombasa, who will liaise with KRA, KEBS, and KPA on your behalf.

Prohibited Items and Restrictions

To ensure a smooth shipping process and compliance with international and Kenyan regulations, certain items are prohibited or restricted:

Preparing Your Car for Shipping

Proper preparation is key to a successful international car shipping experience. For detailed guidance, please refer to our articles:

• https://shipcars.co.uk/articles/preparing-your-car-for-export/

• Marine Insurance is a strategic necessity for vehicles during transit. Covering your vehicles against Total Loss due to fire and water damage and cosmetic damages.  

The price you pay for shipping your vehicle is influenced by several factors:

•   At Ship Cars, we offer a range of vehicle shipping options, from Roll on Roll Off (RoRo) which is highly cost effective to Less than Container load (LCL), perfect for when you are looking to load your car when shipping and Full Container Load (FCL) when shipping luxury, electric or hybrid cars.  

Our Prices at a Glance:

• RoRo Shipping (Standard Car): £1327

• RoRo Shipping (Large Car like Range Rover): £1453

• Electric Vehicle Hazard Surcharge (Container): £295

• Transit Time: 27 days

• Sailing Frequency: Monthly. 

Container Shipping Link

For more information read our blog :  Collection Service: Trade Plate Driven, Open and Enclosed Transport

Additional Resources

To ensure you have all the information you need for a smooth international car shipping experience, we recommend reviewing these helpful articles:

• 10 Mistakes People Make During International Car Shipping
• Avoiding Damage with International Shipping

Ship Cars Ltd. is committed to providing a transparent and reliable service for shipping your vehicle to Mombasa. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and get a personalised quote.

We also provide an efficient, seamless and smooth car shipping to Kenya. Get a quote now!

Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping to Mombasa

Q: How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Mombasa?
RoRo shipping from the UK to Mombasa starts from £1,327 for a standard small car (e.g. VW Golf) and £1,453 for a large vehicle (e.g. Range Rover). These prices cover UK port to Kilindini Harbour, Mombasa sea freight only. Kenyan customs duty, excise duty, VAT (16%), IDF fee, CoC costs, port handling, and clearing agent fees are all payable separately in Kenya.

Q: How long does car shipping from the UK to Mombasa take?
Transit from the UK to Mombasa takes approximately 27 days, with one sailing per month. Including UK collection, CoC inspection, and Kenyan customs clearance (typically 5–14 working days), allow 8–10 weeks total from booking to your vehicle being available.

Q: What is the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and how do I get one for Kenya?
A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from a KEBS-approved inspection agency is mandatory before your vehicle leaves the UK. The primary approved agency is Intertek in the UK. The CoC verifies the vehicle meets Kenyan safety and emissions standards. Contact Intertek after confirming your sailing date — allow 5–10 working days. Without a CoC, your vehicle cannot be cleared at Mombasa Port.

Q: Can I ship a right-hand drive UK car to Kenya?
Yes. Kenya drives on the left — UK right-hand drive vehicles are fully road-legal in Kenya. In fact, only RHD vehicles are permitted for permanent import into Kenya; left-hand drive vehicles are prohibited.

Q: What is the Import Declaration Form (IDF) for Kenya?
The Import Declaration Form (IDF) is a mandatory pre-arrival declaration filed through the KenTrade portal at kentrade.go.ke before the vessel arrives. It must be obtained and paid for before your vehicle can be cleared at Mombasa. Your Mombasa clearing agent typically handles this process on your behalf.

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