Ship Car To French Polynesia | French Polynesia Transportation

Shipping a standard car from the United States to French Polynesia has an indicative $2,500-$6,000 transport budget, depending on the departure port and shipping arrangement. California departures are practical for Pacific shipments, while inland vehicle transport adds to the total. Container space, vehicle dimensions, and destination handling also affect the quote. French Polynesian customs duties and registration taxes are separate expenses. Before booking, request an itemized price showing ocean freight, port charges, and delivery arrangements. A1's international car shipping cost calculatorcan help you plan the transport portion.

Shipping a car from the United States to French Polynesia generally requires 3-6 weeks for transport planning, including vessel scheduling and destination processing. Published direct cargo schedules between Long Beach, California, and Papeete show ocean crossings of approximately 13-14 days. The remaining time depends on when the vehicle reaches the terminal, the next suitable sailing, and customs release after arrival. Vehicles starting outside California also need domestic transportation to the export terminal. Confirm the scheduled vessel departure and estimated Papeete arrival before arranging travel or vehicle collection.

Container shipping and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo)are the main methods used for international vehicle transport, although availability depends on the sailing to French Polynesia. Container shipping secures the vehicle inside a freight container and suits cars that need additional protection or specialized loading. RoRo uses a vehicle-carrying vessel, with operable cars driven aboard and secured for the crossing. RoRo may cost less where suitable service is available, but it requires a compatible vessel. Compare both options through A1's RoRo shipping cost guidebefore choosing a transport method.

Shipping a car to French Polynesia requires proof of ownership, vehicle identification records, export documentation, and a customs import declaration. For U.S. exports, prepare the vehicle title and any applicable lienholder authorization, along with the information needed for U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance. French Polynesian customs requires an electronic import declaration, while local registration involves additional documents, including customs clearance records and vehicle identification paperwork. English-language ownership records may require an official French translation during registration. Check A1's international vehicle shipping document guideand confirm the destination requirements before the vehicle leaves the United States.

As of October 14, 2026, French Polynesian customs lists a 13% standard vehicle import dutyand 16% VAT, with additional applicable taxes and charges. A reduced 2% duty may apply when qualifying origin documentation is provided. Customs generally calculates duties using the vehicle's value plus freight and insurance to Papeete, while VAT uses a broader taxable base that includes applicable duties. Additional taxes depend on the vehicle category, and local registration requires payment of relevant circulation and environmental charges. Relocating to French Polynesia does not automatically exempt a personal vehicle from import taxes.

Cars shipped internationally to French Polynesia commonly enter through Papeete on Tahiti, where the port handles incoming ocean freight and vehicles undergo import clearance. If your destination is Moorea, Bora Bora, or another island, you must arrange a separate onward movement using an available vehicle ferry or inter-island cargo service. The carrier must accept your vehicle's dimensions and shipping status, and some services require a driver to accompany it. For example, vehicle ferry services operate between Tahiti and Moorea, but availability and booking conditions differ. Confirm the onward connection before arranging collection at Papeete.