Car Shipping From UK to Tanzania | Dar es Salaam
- Fast Information
- Cost starts from: £1426
- Roll on/Roll off: Yes ✓
- Container Shipping: Yes ✓
- Frequency of sailing: Monthly
Ship Cars Ltd ships vehicles from the UK to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania via RoRo and dedicated container. RoRo starts from £1426 for a standard small car; transit takes approximately 21-41 days with one sailing per month. Tanzania charges import duty of 10–35% of CIF value, plus 18% VAT. Vehicles over 10 years old cannot be permanently imported — verify your vehicle’s eligibility before booking. Tanzania drives on the left, so UK right-hand drive cars are fully road-legal.
Car Shipping from the UK to Tanzania
Shipping your vehicle from the UK to Dar Es Salaam is a significant step, whether you’re relocating for work, returning home, or supporting a business venture. As Tanzania’s primary port and economic hub, Dar Es Salaam is the gateway for vehicle imports into the country and the wider region. At Ship Cars Ltd, we specialise in managing the entire shipping process, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely and in full compliance with Tanzanian customs regulations.
This definitive guide provides a complete overview of our Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) service to Dar Es Salaam, detailing costs, essential paperwork, tax implications, and the preparation needed for a smooth arrival.
UK Right-Hand Drive Cars Are Fully Road-Legal in Tanzania
Tanzania drives on the left — UK right-hand drive vehicles are fully compatible with Tanzanian roads and require no steering conversion. After customs clearance at Dar es Salaam, the vehicle must be registered with TANROADS and local authorities before use.
What Car Shipping Services We Provide?
At Ship Cars Ltd, 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.
Our Shipping Method: Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) to Dar Es Salaam
For most operational vehicles, our Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) service is the most efficient and cost-effective choice for shipping to Tanzania.
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How it Works: Your vehicle is driven under its own power onto a specialised car carrier vessel at the UK port. It is securely parked and chocked down within the ship’s multi-deck garage for the ocean voyage to the Port of Dar Es Salaam.
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Benefits: RORO is specifically designed for vehicle transport, offering a straightforward and proven method. It is generally more affordable than container shipping for a single, operational car.
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Considering a Container? For non-running vehicles, high-value classics requiring maximum protection, or if you need to ship personal belongings, we also offer international container shipping services.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to Tanzania?
Here is a clear breakdown of our RORO service from the UK to Dar Es Salaam.
Transit Time & Frequency
- Average Transit Time: 21 to 41 days
- Sailing Frequency: Vessels depart once per month, so advance booking is essential to secure your space on the scheduled sailing.
RORO Pricing Guide
Our prices are all-inclusive for the core RORO service. Below are guide prices for two common vehicle types.
| Vehicle Type | Example | Guide Price |
|---|---|---|
| Small / Standard Car | VW Golf, Ford Focus | £1,316 |
| Large SUV / 4×4 | Range Rover, BMW X5 | £1,414 |
Please contact us for a precise quote for shared or dedicated container shipping.
What the Cost Breakdown
The final price for shipping your car is composed of several key elements.
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Ocean Freight: The core cost of the RORO vessel transport from the UK to Dar Es Salaam.
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UK Port Fees: Handling and administrative charges at the departure port.
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Tanzania Port Fees: Including wharfage, terminal handling, and port authority charges at the Port of Dar Es Salaam.
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Documentation: Our fee for professionally managing all required UK export and Tanzanian import paperwork.
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Insurance: An optional but highly recommended cost for risk coverage during the voyage (detailed below).
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Vehicle Collection: An additional service fee if you require us to collect your vehicle from your UK location.
What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Car from the UK to Tanzania?
Accurate and complete documentation is critical for a smooth customs clearance process in Tanzania, which can be stringent.
Paperwork from the UK
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Vehicle Registration Document (V5C): The original logbook is mandatory for processing the vehicle’s permanent export from the UK.
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Proof of Identity & Ownership: A copy of your passport and a recent utility bill or bank statement.
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Commercial Invoice: We will assist in preparing this document, which states the vehicle’s value for Tanzanian Customs.
Paperwork for Tanzanian Customs
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Original Bill of Lading: This is the title document for the shipment, which we will arrange and provide.
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Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Customs Declaration: The main form for declaring your vehicle to customs.
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Proof of Ownership & Identity: Copies of your passport and, if applicable, your Tanzanian residence permit or ID.
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Import Declaration Form (IDF): This may be required and is obtained from the Tanzanian Revenue Authority.
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Single Administrative Document (SAD): The comprehensive customs declaration form used for imports.
What Are the Tanzanian Import Duty and Tax Rules?
Understanding Tanzania’s import regulations is critical for calculating the total cost of ownership.
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Temporary Import: This is typically for tourists and requires a temporary import permit. A customs guarantee (cash deposit or carnet) is usually required, which is refunded upon the vehicle’s export.
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Permanent Import: For residents, the following taxes and duties apply and can be substantial:
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Import Duty: Varies based on the vehicle’s age, engine size, and type. It can range from 10% to 35% of the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight).
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Value-Added Tax (VAT): 18% is levied on the CIF value plus the import duty.
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Excise Duty: An additional tax that may apply depending on the engine capacity and type of vehicle.
- Pre-shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC): Tanzania requires all imported vehicles to hold a valid PVoC certificate issued by an approved inspection body before the vehicle is loaded in the UK. This confirms the vehicle meets Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) requirements. Ship Cars can advise on the approved inspection bodies and process — do not ship without obtaining a PVoC certificate first.
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Important Note: Tanzania has restrictions on the import of vehicles over a certain age. Regulations can change, and it is the importer’s responsibility to verify current rules.
Illustrative Tax Calculation (Standard Used Car):
For a used passenger car with a CIF value of £10,000 (vehicle value + insurance + freight):
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Import Duty (25% — verify current rate at tra.go.tz): £2,500
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Excise Duty (variable by engine cc — assume 0% for this example): £0
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VAT at 18% applied to (CIF + duty + excise): 18% × £12,500 = £2,250
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Estimated total tax liability: approximately £4,750
This is an illustrative example only. Actual rates vary by vehicle age, type, and engine size. Use the TRA online calculator at tra.go.tz or contact a licensed Tanzanian clearing agent for your specific vehicle.
Official Link:
Preparing Your Vehicle for RORO Shipping
Proper preparation prevents damage and ensures compliance with shipping line regulations.
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Fuel Level: The fuel tank must be no more than 1/4 full.
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Personal Belongings: The rules for shipping personal goods inside a vehicle on a RORO service to Tanzania are complex. You must speak to us directly before considering this, as it can impact liability and customs clearance.
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Vehicle Cleanliness: The vehicle should be clean, both inside and out. A dirty vehicle may be rejected for loading.
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Alarm Systems: Disable any alarm or immobiliser systems to prevent battery drain and unnecessary activation during transit.
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Vehicle Condition: The vehicle must be in good, fully operational condition for RORO shipping.
Insurance & Risk Coverage
We offer two levels of marine insurance coverage for your peace of mind on the long journey.
| Coverage Type | Cost | What’s Covered | Conditions |
| Total Loss Cover | 1% of (Vehicle Value + Shipping Cost) | Total loss only, due to fire or water damage. | – |
| Comprehensive Cover | 1.5% of (Vehicle Value + Shipping Cost) | Covers total loss, fire, water damage, and cosmetic damage. | Vehicle must be under 10 years old. A condition report is mandatory. |
About the Condition Report: This is a pre-shipping inspection to document the vehicle’s existing condition. It is free of charge if we collect your vehicle. If you deliver the vehicle to us, a fee of £35 applies.
Vehicle Collection & What’s Allowed
How We Collect Your Vehicle
We offer two convenient options for getting your vehicle to the UK port:
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You Deliver: You can drive your vehicle directly to our designated UK port.
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We Collect: We can collect your vehicle from your home or workplace using a transporter or a trade plate driver.
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Requirements for Collection: The vehicle must have a valid MOT and be fully operational to be driven.
Vehicle & Item Restrictions
It is vital to adhere to these rules to prevent severe delays, fines, or seizure of your vehicle.
Allowed Vehicles:
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Petrol and Diesel vehicles.
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Hybrid vehicles are allowed.
Not Allowed / Restrictions:
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Electric Vehicles: Not allowed via RORO shipping. Electric vehicles can be shipped via a dedicated container but are subject to a hazard surcharge of £295.
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Personal Belongings: As stated, the rules are complex for RORO to Tanzania. Consult with us first.
Prohibited Items: This includes but is not limited to:
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Flammable, explosive, or corrosive substances.
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Weapons, ammunition, and narcotics.
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Pornographic material.
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Counterfeit goods.
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Any other items restricted by Tanzanian law.
Essential Resources
To ensure you are fully prepared and avoid common pitfalls, we highly recommend reviewing these key articles from our resource centre:
- Top 10 Mistakes People Make During International Car Shipping
- Avoiding Damage with International Car Shipping
- How to Prepare Your Car For International Car Shipping
Ship Your Car to Tanzania, Dar Es Salaam With Ship Cars Ltd?
Shipping your vehicle from the UK to Dar Es Salaam is a detailed process with specific customs and regulatory requirements. With Ship Cars Ltd, you gain a trusted partner to manage the UK export, ocean freight, and guide you through the import process into Tanzania.
Our transparent pricing and expert knowledge make us the ideal choice for your vehicle shipping needs. Given the monthly sailing frequency, we recommend contacting us well in advance. Get in touch today for a precise, no-obligation quote and let us ensure your vehicle arrives in Dar Es Salaam safely and efficiently.
We also provide an efficient, seamless and smooth car shipping to:
Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping to Tanzania
How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Tanzania?
RoRo shipping starts from £1426 for a standard small car (e.g. VW Golf) and £1585 for a large SUV or 4×4 (e.g. Range Rover). These prices cover UK port to Port of Dar es Salaam sea freight only. Tanzanian import duty (10–35% of CIF), VAT at 18%, PVoC inspection fees, and port clearance charges are payable separately in Tanzania.
How long does it take to ship a car from the UK to Tanzania?
Transit takes approximately 21-41 days from the UK to Dar es Salaam, with one sailing per month. Allow 6–8 weeks total from booking to your vehicle clearing Tanzanian customs and being available for collection at the port.
What import duty and taxes will I pay in Tanzania?
Tanzania charges import duty of 10–35% of the vehicle’s CIF value (cost + insurance + freight), depending on vehicle age, type, and engine size. VAT at 18% is applied to the CIF value plus duty. Excise duty may also apply based on engine capacity. Use the TRA online calculator at tra.go.tz for your specific vehicle before committing to ship.
Is there a vehicle age limit for importing a car to Tanzania?
Yes. Tanzania restricts the permanent import of vehicles over a certain age from year of manufacture. Shipping an ineligible vehicle risks port detention or compulsory re-export at your cost. Verify the current age limit with the Tanzania Revenue Authority at tra.go.tz or contact Ship Cars before booking.
What is the PVoC certificate and do I need one?
Yes — it is mandatory. Tanzania requires a Pre-shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) certificate for all imported vehicles, issued by an approved inspection body in the UK before loading. It confirms the vehicle meets Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) requirements and is required at Tanzanian customs clearance. Ship Cars can advise on approved inspection bodies.
Can I ship a right-hand drive UK car to Tanzania?
Yes. Tanzania drives on the left — UK right-hand drive vehicles are fully road-legal and require no steering conversion. After customs clearance at Dar es Salaam, the vehicle must be registered with the relevant Tanzanian authorities before use on public roads.
Can I ship an electric vehicle to Tanzania?
No — not via RoRo. EVs must travel by dedicated container and are subject to an EV hazard surcharge of £295. Contact Ship Cars for a container quote for your electric vehicle.
What documents do I need to ship a car from the UK to Tanzania?
UK side: original V5C logbook, passport copy, proof of address, commercial invoice, PVoC certificate.
Tanzanian customs: original Bill of Lading, V5C, TRA customs declaration, Import Declaration Form (IDF), Single Administrative Document (SAD), passport and residency permit (if applicable).
Ship Cars manages the UK export documentation. A licensed Tanzanian clearing agent at Dar es Salaam is strongly recommended for customs clearance.
