Car Shipping to Limassol, Cyprus | RORO & Container Services

Ship Cars Ltd ships vehicles from the UK to Limassol, Cyprus via RoRo and container. RoRo starts from £775 for a standard small car; transit takes approximately 15-20 days, weekly. Cyprus is an EU member state — most UK-origin vehicles qualify for 0% customs duty under the UK-EU TCA. Permanent imports are subject to 19% VAT and a registration fee. UK right-hand drive cars are fully road-legal in Cyprus.

Car Shipping from UK to Limassol, Cyprus

Shipping your vehicle from the UK to the sun-drenched shores of Cyprus is a significant step, whether you’re relocating for a new life, returning home, or moving a cherished classic car. At Ship Cars Ltd, we specialise in making this process seamless, reliable, and straightforward. This definitive guide covers everything you need to know about shipping your car to the Port of Limassol, from costs and paperwork to import regulations and preparation.

UK Right-Hand Drive Cars Are Perfectly Compatible with Cyprus Roads

Cyprus is the only EU member state that drives on the left — the same as the UK. Your UK right-hand drive vehicle requires no headlight adjustment, no beam deflectors, and no steering conversion. Cyprus is the most straightforward EU destination for UK car owners in terms of road compatibility.

What Shipping Methods Are Available from the UK to Limassol?

We offer three flexible methods to ship your vehicle from the UK to Limassol, catering to different needs and budgets.

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

This is the most efficient and popular method for standard, operational vehicles.

• How it Works: Your car is driven onto a specialised vessel under its own power and secured safely within the ship’s garage for the voyage.
• Best For: Standard, everyday vehicles that are in full working order.
• Key Restriction: Personal belongings are not allowed to be shipped inside the vehicle.

2. Shared Container Shipping

A cost-effective container solution that offers more protection than RORO.

• How it Works: Your vehicle is shipped in a container shared with one or two other vehicles, separated by wooden battens for safety.
• Best For: Customers seeking enhanced protection for their vehicle at a lower cost than a dedicated container. Non-running vehicles are accepted.
• Personal Effects: A limited number of personal belongings may be allowed, subject to strict rules and customs declarations.

3. Dedicated Container Shipping

The ultimate solution for security and protection.

• How it Works: Your vehicle has an entire 20ft or 40ft container to itself. It is loaded, secured, and sealed for a private, door-to-door journey.
• Best For: High-value classic cars, non-running projects, or customers who need to ship a substantial amount of personal effects with their car.
• Learn More: For a detailed comparison of container options, visit our International Container Shipping page.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to Limassol?

Here is a clear breakdown of our services from the UK to Limassol.

Transit Time & Frequency

• Average Transit Time: 15-20 days  
• Sailing Frequency: Vessels depart three times per month, 

Pricing Guide

Our guide prices provide a clear starting point. Please contact us for a precise, no-obligation quote.

Dedicated container pricing is bespoke; please enquire for a specific quote.

Understanding the Cost Breakdown

The final price for shipping your car is composed of several key elements.

• Ocean Freight: The core cost of the sea transport via your chosen method (RORO or container).

• UK Port Fees: Handling and administrative charges at the departure port is already included in the quotation.

• Cyprus Port Fees: Customs handling, harbour dues, and port services at the Port of Limassol needs to be paid at destination.

• Documentation: Our fee for professionally managing all required UK export.

• Insurance: An optional but highly recommended cost for risk coverage (detailed below).

• Vehicle Collection: An additional service fee if you choose for us to collect your vehicle from your UK address.

What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Car from the UK to Limassol?

Accurate documentation is essential for a smooth export from the UK and import into Cyprus.

UK Paperwork (required before shipment):

1. Original V5C logbook — retain main document; submit Section 11 to DVLA for permanent export

2. Passport copy — photo page of vehicle owner

3. Proof of address — utility bill or bank statement under 3 months old

4. Bill of sale / commercial invoice — stating the vehicle’s declared value

5. Ship Cars Ltd booking confirmation

Ship Cars Ltd manages the UK export customs declaration on your behalf.

Paperwork for Cyprus Customs

1. 1. Original Bill of Lading (issued by the shipping line — Ship Cars provides this)

   2. Original V5C logbook

   3. Commercial invoice / proof of vehicle value

   4. Marine insurance certificate

   5. Passport or EU/Cyprus national ID

   6. Proof of Cyprus residency (for permanent import with tax exemption)

   7. Completed customs declaration (handled by your Cyprus customs agent)

   8. Application for Vehicle Registration — Cyprus Road Transport Department (RTD) forms — completed after customs clearance

   A licensed Cyprus customs clearing agent at the Port of Limassol is strongly recommended for permanent imports.

What Are the Cyprus Import Duty and VAT Rules?

Understanding Cyprus’s import regulations is crucial. The process differs for temporary and permanent imports.

• Temporary Import: Non-residents can temporarily import a vehicle for up to 6 months without paying taxes. You must provide a customs guarantee (cash deposit or bank guarantee) which is refunded when the vehicle is exported.

• Permanent Import: For residents or those moving permanently, the following taxes apply:

  • VAT (ΦΠΑ): Standard rate of 19% on the customs value of the vehicle.

  • Registration Fee: A one-time fee based on the vehicle’s age, CO2 emissions, and engine capacity (cc). This can be a significant cost.

  • Special Defence Contribution: May apply in certain cases.

  • Duty: Under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), most UK-origin vehicles qualify for 0% customs duty when imported into Cyprus, provided UK origin is evidenced by your V5C logbook. The standard 10% duty rate applies only to vehicles that cannot demonstrate UK or EU manufacturing origin. Confirm with a licensed Cyprus customs agent if your vehicle was assembled outside the UK..

Official Links:

• Cyprus Customs and Excise Department
• Cyprus Road Transport Department

Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping

Correct preparation prevents damage and ensures compliance.

• Fuel Level: The fuel tank must be no more than 1/4 full.

• Personal Belongings:

  • RORO: Strictly not allowed. The vehicle must be empty.

  • Container Shipping: A limited amount is permitted but must be declared. Prohibited items remain banned.

• Vehicle Condition: For RORO, the vehicle must be operational. For container shipping, non-running vehicles are acceptable.

For a detailed, step-by-step guide, please read: How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping.

Insurance & Risk Coverage

Protect your investment with our comprehensive marine insurance options.

About the Condition Report: This pre-shipping inspection documents the vehicle’s condition. It is free of charge if we collect your vehicle. If you deliver the vehicle to us, a fee of £35 applies.

How We Collect Your Vehicle

We offer two convenient options:

1. You Deliver: Drive your vehicle to our designated UK port.

2. We Collect: We collect from your home or workplace using a transporter or trade plate driver.

   • Requirements for Collection: The vehicle must have a valid MOT and be fully operational to be driven.

Vehicle & Item Restrictions

Adherence to these rules is mandatory to avoid delays and penalties.

• Allowed Vehicles:

  • Petrol and Diesel vehicles.

  • Hybrid vehicles are allowed.

• Not Allowed / Restrictions:

  • Electric Vehicles: Not allowed via RORO shipping. Electric vehicles can be shipped via container but are subject to a hazard surcharge of £295.

  • Personal Belongings (RORO): As stated, strictly not allowed.

  • Prohibited Items: This includes flammable liquids, explosives, weapons, ammunition, narcotics, perishable foods, and any hazardous materials.

Essential Resources

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

Ship Your Car To Limassol, Cyprus With Ship Cars Ltd

Shipping your vehicle from the UK to Limassol is a major undertaking, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With Ship Cars Ltd, you gain a trusted partner to manage the entire process, from collection and documentation to ocean freight and arrival coordination. Our transparent pricing, regular sailing schedule, and expert knowledge of Cyprus import regulations make us the ideal choice. Contact us today for a precise, no-obligation quote and let us ensure your vehicle arrives in Cyprus safely and efficiently.

Contact us today for further information or visit our sailing schedule and get an instant quote to schedule your car shipping with us.

We also provide an efficient, seamless and smooth car shipping to:

Cyprus

Portugal

Spain

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