Car Shipping to Saudi Arabia from the UK: The Complete Guide
Quick answer: Shipping a car from the UK to Saudi Arabia takes approximately 14 days to Jeddah or 24 days to Dammam, with RoRo freight starting from £887. Saudi Arabia levies 5% customs duty on CIF value plus 15% VAT, adding roughly 20% to your vehicle’s landed cost. Critical: only left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles may be imported — standard UK right-hand drive cars are ineligible. Vehicles must also have been manufactured within the last 5 years. A SABER Certificate of Conformity is mandatory and must be obtained before the vessel sails from the UK. Read this guide in full before booking.
Can I Ship My UK Car to Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia imposes some of the most specific vehicle import rules of any major destination. Before you contact a shipping company, answer these four questions.
1. Is your vehicle left-hand drive?
Saudi Arabia drives on the right-hand side of the road. Only left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles are eligible for import and registration. Standard UK right-hand drive cars cannot be imported for road use.
Post-manufacture RHD-to-LHD steering conversions are explicitly prohibited by Saudi authorities. A converted vehicle will not pass inspection. If your vehicle is right-hand drive, it cannot legally be driven in Saudi Arabia regardless of conversion.
2. Was your vehicle manufactured within the last 5 years?
Saudi Arabia restricts standard used vehicle imports to those manufactured within 5 years of the import year. For a shipment in 2026, the vehicle must have been manufactured in 2021 or later. Vehicles outside this window are refused entry under standard import rules.
The one exception is classic and antique vehicles aged 30 years or older — these may be imported but under a separate regime with significant restrictions (see classic vehicles below).
3. Does your vehicle meet GCC specification?
UK-market vehicles are built to Euro specification, not GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) specification. GCC-spec vehicles are calibrated for the Gulf climate — higher-rated air conditioning, adjusted fuel and emissions standards, and local safety equipment. Euro-spec UK vehicles may require modifications and homologation to pass the Fahes technical inspection after arrival. Budget for this as a potential additional cost before committing to ship.
4. Do you have your SABER certificate arranged?
The SABER Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and SABER Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) are mandatory for all vehicle imports into Saudi Arabia since 1 January 2025. Both must be in place before the vessel leaves Southampton. Shipments arriving without valid SABER certification will not clear customs and are returned to origin at the importer’s expense. See the SABER section — this is the step most shippers overlook.
If your vehicle passes all four checks, proceed to book. Visit ShipCars’ car shipping to Saudi Arabia service page or get a free quote.
Shipping Methods: RoRo vs Container
Two sea freight methods operate on the UK–Saudi Arabia route. Both depart from Southampton.
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
Your vehicle is driven directly onto a purpose-built car-carrier vessel, secured to the vehicle deck, and driven off at Jeddah or Dammam. It is the most cost-effective method for a standard running LHD vehicle.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Starting price | From £887 (Southampton to Jeddah, indicative) |
| Transit to Jeddah | Approximately 14 days |
| Transit to Dammam | Approximately 24 days |
| Sailing frequency | Approximately weekly |
| Personal effects inside vehicle | Not permitted |
| Vehicle condition | Must be driveable |
Heavier vehicles are positioned on lower decks during RoRo transit — this is standard practice on car-carrier vessels and has no impact on delivery or condition.
Container (Shared or Dedicated FCL)
Container shipping encloses your vehicle inside a sealed, tamper-proof steel container. It is preferred for classic, luxury, modified, and high-value vehicles, and is the only option if you need to ship personal effects alongside the vehicle.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Method | Shared container (with other vehicles) or sole-use full container load (FCL) |
| Personal effects | Permitted inside the vehicle, included at no extra charge — all items must be declared on arrival |
| Vehicle condition | Running or non-running accepted |
| Protection | Fully enclosed; protected from weather, dust, and sea air |
| Tamper-proof seal | Fitted at the UK port; broken only at the Saudi destination port |
| Price | Higher than RoRo — request a quote |
Personal effects note: While container shipping permits personal effects inside the vehicle, Saudi Arabia has strict rules on prohibited goods. Alcohol, pork products, and anything contrary to Saudi law are prohibited — whether inside a container or a vehicle. All contents must be declared on arrival and are subject to Saudi customs inspection.
For a fuller comparison of both methods, see ShipCars’ guide to RoRo car shipping and container car shipping.
Departure and Arrival Ports
UK departure port
All UK–Saudi Arabia shipments depart from Southampton. ShipCars can arrange collection of your vehicle from anywhere in the UK to Southampton as part of the door-to-port or door-to-door service.
Saudi Arabia arrival ports
Saudi Arabia has two main vehicle import ports, serving different regions of the country.
| Port | Location | Transit from Southampton | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah Islamic Port | Red Sea coast, western Saudi Arabia | ~14 days | Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, western provinces |
| King Abdulaziz Port, Dammam | Arabian Gulf coast, eastern Saudi Arabia | ~24 days | Riyadh, Dammam, Dhahran, eastern region |
Port choice is confirmed at booking based on your destination in Saudi Arabia. Jeddah is the faster and more frequently served option for most UK shipments.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Saudi Arabia?
The total cost has two distinct components: UK sea freight (ShipCars’ charge) and Saudi in-country costs (duty, VAT, and local fees payable on arrival).
Sea freight cost (ShipCars)
| Vehicle type | RoRo from | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard saloon (LHD) | £887 | Port-to-port, Southampton to Jeddah, indicative |
| SUV / 4×4 (LHD) | From ~£1,071 | Indicative — confirm at enquiry |
| Vans, trucks, caravans | Priced on dimensions | Provide length × width × height |
| Classic / luxury / modified | Request quote | Container recommended |
Dammam sailings carry a slightly higher sea freight cost than Jeddah — confirm at booking.
Saudi in-country costs (payable in Saudi Arabia)
| Cost item | Rate / amount |
|---|---|
| Customs duty (ZATCA) | 5% of CIF value |
| Saudi VAT | 15% of CIF + duty value |
| Combined duty + VAT | Approximately 20% of CIF value |
| SABER certification (UK pre-shipment) | Varies by inspection body — obtain quote from TÜV Rheinland, Intertek, or SGS |
| Fahes vehicle technical inspection | Payable locally |
| Muroor registration fee | Approximately SAR 300 |
| Licensed Saudi customs agent fee | Variable — obtain quotes |
| Total Saudi in-country load | Approximately 22–28% of landed CIF value |
Example: A LHD vehicle with a CIF value of £12,000 would face approximately £600 in customs duty (5%) and roughly £1,890 in VAT (15% of £12,600 duty-inclusive), plus SABER fees, local inspection, and registration costs. These are illustrative figures. Actual liability depends on your vehicle’s CIF value, classification, and your Saudi customs agent’s assessment. Obtain a formal estimate before committing.
For a broader view of how costs compare across destinations, see our guide to international car shipping costs from the UK.
Saudi Customs Duty and VAT (ZATCA)
Customs duty — 5% of CIF value
Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) assesses customs duty on imported vehicles at 5% of CIF value. CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) comprises:
- The purchase price or declared market value of the vehicle
- The marine insurance premium
- The sea freight cost (the ShipCars invoice)
Your Saudi customs agent calculates and presents the CIF value to ZATCA on your behalf.
Saudi VAT — 15% on the duty-inclusive value
Saudi Arabia raised VAT from 5% to 15% in July 2020, one of the higher rates in the GCC. For imported vehicles, VAT is assessed on the CIF value plus the customs duty amount. The combined effective rate is approximately 20.25% of CIF value.
There is no VAT exemption for personal vehicle imports. A duty exemption may apply in specific circumstances — verify your eligibility with ZATCA or your Saudi customs agent before assuming any relief applies.
No UK-Saudi preferential tariff
There is currently no free trade agreement or preferential tariff arrangement between the UK and Saudi Arabia that reduces the 5% duty rate on vehicle imports.
Verify current rates: ZATCA tariff rates and VAT are subject to change. Always confirm the current rate with a licensed Saudi customs broker or the ZATCA official portal before shipping. Rates stated here are verified as of October 2026.
SABER Certification — The Step Most Shippers Miss
SABER is Saudi Arabia’s product conformity programme, administered by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO). Since 1 January 2025, all new and used vehicle imports into Saudi Arabia require two SABER certificates.
This is the single most common point of failure for UK-to-Saudi vehicle shipments.
The two certificates required
| Certificate | What it is | When required |
|---|---|---|
| Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) | Confirms the vehicle model meets Saudi technical standards | Must be in place before shipment is booked |
| Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) | Confirms this specific vehicle (by VIN) meets standards, following a physical inspection | Must be issued before the vessel sails from Southampton |
How to obtain SABER certificates for a used vehicle
Used vehicles (which covers all standard UK-market imports) require a physical inspection in the UK by a SASO-approved inspection body. Approved bodies operating in the UK include:
- TÜV Rheinland
- Intertek
- SGS
The inspection covers the vehicle’s compliance with Saudi/GCC technical standards. Once the physical inspection is passed, the inspection body issues the SCoC.
Allow at least 10–14 business days to complete SABER certification before your target sailing date. Last-minute SABER applications frequently miss vessel departures.
What happens if you ship without SABER
A vehicle arriving at Jeddah or Dammam without valid SABER certificates will:
- Not be cleared through Saudi customs
- Be held at the port at the importer’s cost
- Be returned to the UK at the importer’s expense if the situation cannot be resolved
There is no retroactive SABER certification process. Certificates obtained after arrival are not accepted. Start the SABER process before you book the shipment, not after.
Verify current SABER requirements: Rules and approved inspection bodies are subject to change. Confirm current requirements with SASO or your SABER inspection body before proceeding.
Customs Clearance and Port Release
Once your vehicle arrives at Jeddah or Dammam, a licensed Saudi customs agent handles the import clearance process through ZATCA:
- Customs declaration submitted to ZATCA with all required documents, including the SABER SCoC
- Customs duty (5%) and Saudi VAT (15%) assessed and paid
- Port dues and handling fees settled
- Vehicle released from the port compound into the agent’s custody
Customs clearance typically takes 2–5 business days for a fully documented shipment. Missing or incorrect documents — most commonly an absent SABER certificate — significantly extend this timeline and incur port storage costs.
Fahes Vehicle Technical Inspection
After customs clearance, the vehicle must pass a Fahes technical inspection at an authorised inspection centre. Fahes is the Saudi technical inspection system, equivalent to the UK MOT.
The inspection covers:
- Roadworthiness: brakes, steering, tyres, suspension
- Emissions and fuel standards (to GCC specification)
- Lighting and electrical systems
- Safety equipment
GCC specification gap: UK-market Euro-spec vehicles were not built for GCC climate and standards. An air conditioning system rated for European temperatures may be insufficient for Saudi summers. Emissions calibration may differ. If your vehicle does not meet GCC specification, modifications must be made at an approved Saudi workshop before the vehicle will pass Fahes.
Homologation costs vary significantly depending on what modifications are required. For vehicles with significant GCC-spec gaps, this cost can exceed the sea freight charge. Factor this in before committing to ship a Euro-spec vehicle to Saudi Arabia.
Muroor Registration via Absher
Once the vehicle passes the Fahes inspection, it is registered through Muroor (the Saudi traffic authority) via the Absher online platform.
- Registration fee: approximately SAR 300
- Temporary plates valid for 15 days are issued at registration while the full process completes
- All outstanding traffic fines on the vehicle’s record must be cleared before registration can proceed — check the vehicle’s Saudi traffic history if it has previously been in the Kingdom
- Registration is completed in the importer’s name; proof of Saudi residency (Iqama) is required for personal imports
Documents You Need
UK export documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Original V5C (UK logbook) | Primary proof of UK registration and ownership |
| Commercial invoice | Must state purchase price and CIF value; include make, model, year, VIN, engine size, full specs |
| Certificate of Marine Insurance | Required by Saudi customs; must cover full CIF value |
| SABER Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) | Obtained before booking via SASO-approved body |
| SABER Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) | Issued after UK physical inspection; must be issued before vessel sails |
| Copy of consignee’s passport | Photo page of the person importing the vehicle in Saudi Arabia |
| Saudi Iqama (residence permit) | Required if personally importing as a Saudi resident |
| UK Export Declaration (C88) | Completed by ShipCars as part of the shipment booking |
ShipCars issues the Bill of Lading upon vessel departure.
Saudi customs documents (at destination)
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Original Bill of Lading | Required for port release — keep the original secure |
| Commercial invoice | Same as UK-side invoice |
| SABER SCoC | Verified by ZATCA at customs clearance |
| Certificate of Marine Insurance | |
| Consignee’s passport copy | |
| Iqama | Valid Saudi residence permit |
| Additional ZATCA documents | Your Saudi clearing agent may request further documentation depending on vehicle type and value |
Residency Requirement and the Iqama
Saudi residents
Personal vehicle imports to Saudi Arabia require Saudi residency — a valid Iqama (Saudi residence permit). The vehicle is registered in the resident’s name following customs clearance and Fahes inspection.
Non-residents and commercial dealers
Non-resident individuals cannot personally import a vehicle for road use in Saudi Arabia. Commercial dealers and licensed importers operate under a different regime — if you are shipping vehicles commercially rather than as a personal import, engage a Saudi customs agent with commercial vehicle import experience from the outset.
If you are temporarily relocating to Saudi Arabia and do not yet hold an Iqama, discuss your timeline with your Saudi customs agent before shipping. The Iqama must be valid at the time of customs clearance.
The 3-Year Resale Restriction
Saudi Arabia imposes a 3-year resale restriction on vehicles imported as personal imports by Saudi residents. A vehicle brought in under personal import rules cannot be sold, transferred, or gifted for 3 years from the import date.
This restriction does not apply to:
- Commercial vehicle dealers
- Licensed importers
- Fleet and corporate imports
If you are importing a vehicle as an individual resident and are uncertain about how long you will remain in Saudi Arabia, factor the 3-year lock-in into your decision. Selling the vehicle before 3 years — or attempting to — carries significant legal risk under Saudi law.
Classic and Antique Vehicles (30+ Years)
Vehicles aged 30 years or older may be imported into Saudi Arabia under a separate classic and antique vehicle regime. However, the restrictions are significant:
- Classic vehicles cannot be driven on Saudi public roads under standard conditions
- They may be registered for private display, collection, and participation in approved automotive events only
- A separate approval process applies — this is not the standard import route
- SABER certification requirements for antique vehicles differ from standard used vehicles — confirm with SASO before proceeding
If you are considering shipping a classic or vintage UK vehicle to Saudi Arabia for collection or show purposes, engage a Saudi customs broker with specific classic vehicle import experience. Do not assume a 30-year-old vehicle automatically qualifies or that the process mirrors a standard import.
For UK classic car shipping expertise and handling, see ShipCars’ classic car shipping service.
Marine Insurance
Marine insurance covers your vehicle during the sea voyage from Southampton to Jeddah or Dammam. Saudi customs requires a Certificate of Marine Insurance as a mandatory import document — there is no opt-out.
| Coverage item | Standard marine transit policy |
|---|---|
| Total loss (fire, sinking, stranding) | ✅ Covered |
| Water ingress and weather damage | ✅ Covered |
| Handling damage during loading/unloading | ✅ Typically covered |
| Pre-existing damage | ❌ Not covered — document all existing condition before shipping |
| Personal effects inside container | ❌ Separate contents policy required |
| Contents in a RoRo-shipped vehicle | ❌ Personal effects not permitted in RoRo |
ShipCars arranges marine transit insurance as part of the booking. Ensure the certificate names the correct consignee, covers the full CIF value (Saudi customs assesses duty on this figure), and is valid for the full transit period.
Step-by-Step: How the Process Works
Step 1 — Confirm vehicle eligibility
Verify the vehicle is LHD, manufactured within the last 5 years, and that you hold a valid Saudi Iqama (for personal imports). If any check fails, do not proceed without specialist advice.
Step 2 — Arrange SABER certification before booking
Engage a SASO-approved UK inspection body (TÜV Rheinland, Intertek, or SGS). Submit vehicle details and arrange the UK physical inspection. Obtain the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC). Allow at least 10–14 business days. Do not book the shipment until SABER is confirmed.
Step 3 — Prepare UK export documents
Gather the original V5C, commercial invoice (full specs and CIF value), Certificate of Origin, passport copy of the Saudi consignee, and Iqama copy. Drain fuel to below a quarter tank.
Step 4 — Book shipment with ShipCars
With SABER in hand, book with ShipCars. The team arranges UK collection to Southampton, completes the C88 UK export declaration, arranges marine insurance, and produces the Bill of Lading. Sailings to Jeddah operate approximately weekly.
Step 5 — Sea transit
Your vehicle travels approximately 14 days to Jeddah or 24 days to Dammam. Vessel tracking details are provided at booking confirmation.
Step 6 — Saudi customs clearance (2–5 business days)
Your Saudi customs agent presents all documents — including the SABER SCoC — to ZATCA. Customs duty (5%) and Saudi VAT (15%) are assessed and paid. The vehicle is released from the port compound.
Step 7 — Fahes technical inspection
The vehicle is inspected at an authorised Fahes centre. Any required GCC-spec modifications are completed at an approved workshop before re-inspection if the vehicle does not initially pass.
Step 8 — Muroor registration via Absher
On passing Fahes, registration is completed via Absher. Registration fee of approximately SAR 300 is paid. Temporary plates are issued for 15 days while full registration completes.
Pre-Shipment Checklist
- Vehicle confirmed as left-hand drive (LHD)
- Vehicle confirmed as manufactured 2021 or later (for a 2026 import)
- Saudi Iqama confirmed valid (for personal imports)
- SABER PCoC obtained via SASO-approved UK inspection body
- SABER SCoC issued — physical UK inspection completed
- Licensed Saudi customs agent engaged
- Original V5C available
- Commercial invoice prepared (full specs, CIF value, VIN)
- Consignee’s passport copy and Iqama copy ready
- Fuel reduced to below a quarter tank
- No personal effects inside vehicle (for RoRo shipments)
- Container contents declared in full if using container shipping
- No prohibited goods: no alcohol, pork products, or items contrary to Saudi law
- Marine insurance Certificate confirmed from ShipCars
- Budget confirmed including Saudi in-country costs (duty, VAT, SABER, Fahes, registration, GCC-spec modifications if required)
- 3-year resale restriction understood and accepted (personal imports)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship a right-hand drive UK car to Saudi Arabia?
No. Saudi Arabia drives on the right and only left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles can be registered for road use. Standard UK right-hand drive cars are ineligible for import. Post-manufacture RHD-to-LHD steering conversions are also prohibited by Saudi authorities. If your car is right-hand drive, it cannot be imported into Saudi Arabia for road use.
How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Saudi Arabia?
RoRo sea freight from the UK to Jeddah starts from approximately £887 (port-to-port, indicative). Saudi Arabia’s in-country costs add a further ~20% of CIF value in duty (5%) and VAT (15%), plus SABER certification, Fahes inspection, registration (~SAR 300), and any GCC-spec modification costs. Full-cost planning requires a formal assessment from a Saudi customs agent. Request a current quote from ShipCars.
How long does it take to ship a car from the UK to Saudi Arabia?
Sea transit from Southampton to Jeddah is approximately 14 days; to Dammam approximately 24 days. After arrival, allow 2–5 business days for customs clearance, plus time for the Fahes inspection and Muroor registration. Total time from shipment booking to a registered vehicle is typically 5–7 weeks, including SABER pre-certification lead time.
What is SABER certification and do I need it?
SABER is Saudi Arabia’s mandatory product conformity programme. All vehicle imports — new and used — have required valid SABER certificates since 1 January 2025. You need two: a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC). Both must be in place before the vessel leaves Southampton. Vehicles arriving without them are returned at the importer’s expense. Start the SABER process at least 10–14 business days before your target sailing.
What is the age limit for importing a car to Saudi Arabia?
Standard used vehicle imports must have been manufactured within 5 years of the import year. For imports in 2026, the vehicle must have been manufactured in 2021 or later. Vehicles outside this window are not eligible under standard import rules. Classic and antique vehicles aged 30 years or older may qualify under a separate regime but cannot be driven on public roads.
What is the import duty on a car shipped to Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia (ZATCA) levies 5% customs duty on the CIF value of imported vehicles. Saudi VAT at 15% is then applied to the duty-inclusive CIF value. The combined effective rate is approximately 20.25% of CIF value. There is no UK-Saudi trade agreement that reduces these rates.
Can I put personal belongings in my shipped car?
Yes — container only. Container-shipped vehicles may contain personal effects included at no extra charge, but all contents must be declared on arrival. RoRo-shipped vehicles may not contain personal effects. Under either method, prohibited goods (alcohol, pork products, anything contrary to Saudi law) are absolutely forbidden and will result in seizure and legal consequences.
Do I need Saudi residency to import a car?
Yes, for a personal import. You must hold a valid Iqama (Saudi residence permit) at the time of customs clearance. Non-residents and tourists cannot personally import a vehicle. If you are relocating and do not yet have your Iqama, discuss timing with your Saudi customs agent before booking the shipment.
What is the 3-year resale restriction?
Saudi Arabia requires that personally imported vehicles cannot be sold, transferred, or gifted for 3 years from the import date. This restriction applies to individual resident imports only and does not apply to commercial dealers or licensed importers. Breaking this restriction carries serious legal consequences under Saudi law.
Published: 21 October 2026 | Last updated: 21 October 2026 | Reviewed by: Navdeep Singh, Director, ShipCars Ltd
