Car Shipping from the UK to Tunisia — Port of La Goulette
- Fast Information
- Cost starts from: £1144
- Roll on/Roll off: Yes ✓
- Container Shipping: Yes ✓
- Frequency of sailing: Weekly
Ship Cars ships vehicles from the UK to La Goulette, Tunisia via RoRo and dedicated container. RoRo starts from £1,144 for a standard small car; transit takes approximately 35 days with two sailings per month.
Important: Tunisia only permits left-hand drive vehicles for permanent import — UK right-hand drive cars cannot be permanently registered in Tunisia. A mandatory pre-shipment inspection and Tunisia’s high import duty structure (customs duty, 19% VAT, and consumption tax) must be factored into the total cost before shipping.
Car Shipping to Tunisia, La Goulette
Shipping your vehicle to La Goulette, Tunisia, connects you to the primary port serving the capital city of Tunis. As the country’s main commercial and passenger gateway, the Port of La Goulette is a vital hub for vehicle imports, serving the local market, a large diaspora, and a thriving tourism sector. Understanding Tunisia’s specific import regulations is key to a smooth and compliant shipment.
What Shipping Methods Are Available from the UK to Tunisia?
At Ship Cars Ltd, we offer a range of vehicle shipping options, from Roll on Roll Off (RoRo) which is highly cost effective and Container Shipping that includes Full Container Load (FCL) when shipping luxury, electric or hybrid cars.
What Your Car Shipping Service Includes
When you book your La Goulette shipment with shipcars.co.uk, our comprehensive service covers:
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Origin port charges and handling fees in the UK.
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Ocean freight on reliable carrier lines directly to the Port of La Goulette.
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Essential documentation, including the Bill of Lading.
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Expert support and tracking from collection to departure.
Please Note: Tunisian import duties, taxes, customs clearance fees, and all local port/agent charges are not included in our shipping quote. These are payable directly to the Tunisian Customs Authority (Administration des Douanes) and your appointed agent in Tunisia.
Can I Temporarily Import a Car into Tunisia?
Compliance with Tunisian customs regulations is essential. Key rules include:
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Vehicle Age Limit: Tunisia has an 8-year age limit from the date of first registration. Importing vehicles older than eight years is generally prohibited.
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Right-Hand Drive: Tunisia drives on the right. Only left-hand drive vehicles are permitted for import.
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Import Duties & Taxes: Tunisian import taxes on vehicles are among the highest in the region and can significantly exceed the vehicle’s purchase price. They are calculated on the CIF value and include:
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Customs Duty: Rates vary by engine size and vehicle age — passenger vehicles typically attract rates of 30% or higher. Confirm the rate applicable to your specific vehicle at douane.gov.tn.
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VAT (TVA): Currently 19%, applied to the CIF value plus customs duty.
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Special Consumption Tax (TCL/TEC): An additional consumption tax that varies by engine size and type.
Illustrative example: On a £10,000 LHD vehicle with £1,030 freight and insurance:
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CIF value: ~£11,030
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Customs duty at 30%: ~£3,309
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VAT at 19% on (CIF + duty): ~£2,718
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Total taxes (excl. consumption tax): ~£6,027
This is illustrative only. Actual rates vary significantly. Use a licensed Tunisian customs agent to calculate the exact liability for your vehicle before committing to ship.
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Pre-Shipment Inspection: A mandatory pre-shipment inspection by an approved company is required. This verifies the vehicle’s details, condition, and value before it leaves the UK.
Temporary Import of a Vehicle into Tunisia
If you are not permanently relocating and wish to use your UK-registered vehicle in Tunisia temporarily, you may import it under a carnet de passage en douane. Key points:
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The carnet de passage must be arranged before the vehicle is shipped — contact the RAC or AA in the UK, who can issue them.
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A financial guarantee (typically a bank guarantee or cash deposit equivalent to the full import duty value) is usually required by Tunisian customs.
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The vehicle must be exported from Tunisia before the carnet expires. Failure to do so results in full import duty becoming immediately payable.
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Right-hand drive vehicles may be permitted for temporary import under a carnet, but this should be confirmed with Tunisian customs (Administration des Douanes) at douane.gov.tn before shipping.
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Temporary import permits are not renewable for the purpose of circumventing permanent import restrictions.
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What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Car from the UK to Tunisia?
You or your appointed clearing agent in Tunisia will require these original documents:
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Original Bill of Lading.
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Original Vehicle Title (V5C Logbook for UK vehicles).
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Commercial Invoice stating the purchase price.
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Certificate of Marine Insurance.
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Copy of Your Passport.
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Mandatory Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (from an approved agency).
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Freight Certificate/Invoice.
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Valid Tunisian Customs Broker License (held by your clearing agent).
Crucial Advice: Engaging a reputable, licensed customs clearing agent in Tunisia is highly recommended. They will manage the complex duty calculation, tax payment, and all port clearance procedures on your behalf, ensuring a smoother process.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to Tunisia?
Here is a clear overview for shipping a standard small car to La Goulette.
| Shipping Cost (Example) | From £1,144 for a small car via RORO (all-inclusive of our listed services). |
| Insurance | 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. |
| Total Transit Time | Approximately 35 days from UK departure port to arrival in La Goulette. |
| Sailing Frequency | Regular sailings, with vessels departing weekly. |
| Collection Service | Our flexible and secured collection services include Trade Plate-Insured driven service as well as transporter or recovery options. |
| Local Taxes & Duties | Payable in Tunisia. This includes all import duties, VAT, the pre-shipment inspection fee, and agent/port fees. |
Ship Your Car To Tunisia With Ship Cars Ltd
Ready to Get a Precise Quote? Contact us today with your vehicle’s details and requirements for a straightforward, fixed-price quotation and personalized support for your shipment to La Goulette. 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 Tanzania
Can I ship a UK right-hand drive car to Tunisia?
Not for permanent import. Tunisia only permits left-hand drive vehicles for permanent registration. Most UK cars are right-hand drive and are not eligible for permanent import into Tunisia. RHD vehicles may be eligible for temporary import under a carnet de passage — contact Ship Cars to discuss your specific situation before booking.
How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Tunisia?
RoRo shipping starts from £1,144 for a standard small car (UK port to La Goulette port only). Tunisian import duties, VAT (19%), pre-shipment inspection fees, and port clearance charges are payable separately in Tunisia — and can be substantial, often exceeding the vehicle’s purchase price for higher-duty categories.
How long does it take to ship a car from the UK to Tunisia?
Transit takes approximately 35 days from the UK to La Goulette, with two sailings per month. Allow 6–8 weeks total from booking to vehicle clearance, including UK collection and Tunisian customs on arrival.
Is there a vehicle age limit for importing a car into Tunisia?
Yes. Tunisia enforces an 8-year age limit from the date of first registration for permanent vehicle imports. Vehicles over 8 years old cannot be permanently imported. Verify your vehicle’s eligibility with the Administration des Douanes at douane.gov.tn before booking.
What import duty and taxes will I pay in Tunisia?
Tunisian import taxes are among the highest in the region. They include customs duty (which can exceed 30% of CIF value for passenger vehicles), VAT at 19%, and a special consumption tax varying by engine size. The total tax burden frequently exceeds the vehicle’s purchase price. Verify current rates at douane.gov.tn or engage a licensed Tunisian customs agent before committing to ship.
What pre-shipment inspection is required for Tunisia?
A mandatory pre-shipment inspection by an approved inspection body in the UK is required before loading. It verifies the vehicle’s condition, details, and declared value. The inspection certificate is required at Tunisian customs clearance — do not ship without it. Contact Ship Cars for details of approved inspection bodies for the Tunisia route.
Can I temporarily import a car into Tunisia?
Yes. Under a carnet de passage en douane, tourists and temporary visitors can bring a vehicle into Tunisia. The carnet must be arranged before shipping through the RAC or AA in the UK. A financial guarantee equivalent to the full duty value is typically required. The vehicle must be exported before the carnet expires. Confirm with Tunisian customs at douane.gov.tn whether RHD vehicles are accepted for temporary import.
What documents do I need to ship a car from the UK to Tunisia?
UK side: original V5C logbook, passport copy, proof of address, commercial invoice, pre-shipment inspection certificate, Ship Cars booking confirmation.
La Goulette customs: original Bill of Lading, V5C, commercial invoice, marine insurance certificate, passport, pre-shipment inspection certificate, freight invoice, carnet de passage (if temporary import).
A licensed Tunisian customs clearing agent is strongly recommended — the duty calculation and clearance process at La Goulette is complex and requires specialist local knowledge.
What is and isn’t allowed inside my vehicle during shipping to Tunisia?
RoRo: vehicle must be completely empty — no personal belongings, maximum quarter tank of fuel.
Container: limited personal effects permitted if fully declared and compliant with Tunisian customs regulations. Prohibited items under all methods include hazardous materials, weapons, narcotics, pornographic material, and counterfeit goods.
