Ship Car To Laos


Car Shipping Laos
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Ship Your Car To Or From Laos
Typical Prices – What's the Cost?
- Shipping a car from the U.S. to Laos typically costs $2,200–$5,000, with total expenses rising significantly due to Laos's 40% import duty on most vehicles.
- Because Laos is landlocked, vehicles arrive by sea at Thai or Vietnamese ports then move overland, making total delivery 4–8 weeks from departure.
- Laos requires an original title, bill of sale, import permit, and U.S. export declaration; right-hand-drive vehicles are prohibited from import entirely.
Cost & Time For Shipments
| To/From Laos | Ground | Ocean | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to Vientiane | $200 | $3,500 | 5+33 |
| Las Vegas, NV to Pakse | $460 | $4,600 | 5+31 |
| Portland, OR to Pakse | $465 | $4,600 | 6+31 |
| Seattle, WA to Vientiane | $560 | $3,500 | 6+33 |
| Charlotte, NC to Vientiane | $575 | $3,600 | 6+44 |
| Chicago, IL to Pakse | $675 | $5,100 | 6+44 |
| Atlanta, GA to Vientiane | $700 | $3,600 | 6+44 |
| Denver, CO to Vientiane | $775 | $3,500 | 7+33 |
| Memphis, TN to Pakse | $800 | $5,100 | 6+44 |
| Houston, TX to Vientiane | $1,075 | $3,600 | 7+44 |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of auto.
*Save on ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
*Prices are for one car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to haul a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
*Using the RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive, and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.
Moving a car to Laos can be difficult. The country is landlocked, so most shipments will arrive in Vietnam (Da Nang Port or the Port of Ho Chi Minh City) and proceed to Laos by land. In addition to this, cars shipped are subject to extensive import taxes unless you are a diplomat.

Popular Destinations
- Luang Prabang
- Muang Pakxan
- Muang Xay
- Pakse
- Phonsavan
- Savannakhet
- Thakhek
- Vang Vieng
- Vientiane
- Xam Nua
Expected Costs and Required Documents
If you plan to import a vehicle, you can expect to pay a 40% import tax (as noted by ASEAN). Depending on whether or not your car is listed as a general good or a luxury good, there will be additional fees. The government of Laos prohibits the importation of right-driving vehicles. A 2005 US Embassy report estimated that a luxury auto would be subject to an additional 3,000,000 KIP (roughly USD 372) excise tax.
- General Goods: You must pay an import duty + turnover tax for general goods.
- Luxury Goods: You must pay an import duty + excise tax + turnover tax for luxury goods.
Vehicles can be temporarily imported, for project supervision, tourism, and business under the Temporary Imports regime if they are re-exported in the designated period.
The costs can quickly grow when shipping to Laos. The total cost of your customs is calculated based on the price of your import, the overall value of your vehicle's insurance, freight, age, type, engine size, and other potential incumbent costs. All of these factors are considered when calculating how much you will owe the Laotian government.
Required Documents

- An invoice detailing the purchase of the vehicle.
- The vehicle year.
- Make.
- Model.
- VIN.
- Registration.
- Title.
- Bill of lading.
- Letter of employment.
- Import permit.
Your company will take care of Most of the paperwork, such as import licenses, and other related documentation. Still, you should always be prepared with the necessary identification for your vehicle to ensure a smooth process. Duty-free imports into Laos can only be done by foreign diplomats.
Delivery Methods
We offer several methods that vary, depending on your personal needs.
- Roll on, Roll off (RoRo): The roll on, roll off method is one of the most popular. Your vehicle is driven onto the ship, securely held in place, delivered to the port of choice, and then driven off the boat. For this method to be viable, your car must be operable. If you elect to use this method, you cannot store personal items in your motorcar.
- Container Moving: This may be the best method for you if you want to ship personal belongings with your vehicle. Your vehicle and personal belongings will be securely held in place and stored in a container.
Valuable Resources
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations Laos Trade Regulations
- International Movers Association Laos Information Page
Hauling Of Heavy Equipment & Oversized Cargo
To get heavy equipment or oversized cargo shipped, hiring reputable international transporters is to your advantage. At A1 AT, we can guarantee your cargo is shipped safely overseas by using state-of-the-art hauling equipment and the latest technology. With all that we have access to, there is hardly any type of heavy or oversized equipment we can’t have delivered across the oceans.
If you are curious about what types of heavy equipment and oversized cargo we can transport, here is a brief list to give you a better idea...
- Large Vehicles
- Heavy Machinery
- Farm Equipment
- Mining Equipment
- Industrial Equipment
- Paving Equipment
- Hydraulic Machinery
- Forklifts
- Cranes
- Backhoes
- Tractors
- Engineering Equipment and more…
As you can see, we have barely any limitations, and the list provided above isn’t even a complete list of the types of cargo we can ship. No matter what kind of cargo you intend to ship to Laos, we will add free insurance coverage. This coverage may not protect the full value of your cargo, but we offer additional insurance options at minimal fees.

International Options
We offer several different methods for those who wish to ship large or heavy equipment overseas. All of these methods are entirely safe methods of overseas hauling, yet what is available to you will depend on the type of equipment you’re sending. Our trained representatives will assist you with your options. For more info regarding our methods, we decided to provide you with a list and some specifications for each one...
- Container hauling
- Flat Rack delivery
- Roll On/Roll Off method
- Lift On/Lift Off Shipping
You can use this service if your heavy machinery fits within a 40-foot container. Our most budget-friendly open-air option involves driving your vehicle or piece of equipment up a ramp and onto the ship. Lift-on/lift-off is suggested for crated cargo and inoperable automobiles. At the same time, a flat rack involves securing your cargo to a metal frame before loading it onto the boat.
Relevant Statistics
- Approximately 200 cars are shipped to Laos from overseas each month.
- More than 90% of the cars shipped are used vehicles.
- The average cost to ship is $2,500.
- Over 80% of the cars imported come from Japan.
- Laos has seen a 25% increase in car imports over the past five years.
General Facts
- Moving a car to Laos requires compliance with import regulations and documentation.
- The process involves hiring a reputable international company.
- The car must undergo customs clearance upon arrival.
- It is necessary to pay import taxes and duties to dispatch a car.
- Prior research on local driving laws and regulations in Laos is essential when shipping a car to the country.
Other Services
- Overseas Moving Services to Laos
Related Information & FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to Laos from the United States?
Shipping a standard car from the United States to Laos currently costs about $2,500 to $5,000 for the international transport portion before Lao import taxes and duties. Dedicated 20-foot container pricing commonly falls around $3,200 to $5,000, while RoRo can cost less when a suitable service and inland connection are available. Vehicle size, U.S. departure port, shipping method, and the final inland leg account for most differences. A1's international car shipping cost calculator can help you compare the freight portion of the move.
How long does shipping a car to Laos take?
Shipping a car from the United States to Laos generally takes about 5 to 8 weeks in loaded international transit and inland routing. Current market estimates cluster around 30 to 60 days, with the ocean leg reaching a regional gateway before the vehicle continues across the border into Laos. West Coast departures can reduce the sea portion on some routings, while transshipment and border clearance may extend the schedule. Pickup scheduling in the United States occurs before this transit period and should be planned separately.
Can I ship a car to Laos even though it is a landlocked country?
Yes. A car bound for Laos normally travels by sea to a gateway port in a neighboring country, then continues into Laos by road or rail under a separate inland movement. For Vientiane-bound cargo, Thanaleng Dry Port sits about one kilometer from the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and handles import customs and cross-border logistics. The exact gateway depends on the carrier and routing, so Thailand, Vietnam, or another regional connection may be used. A1's international car shipping by sea guide explains how the ocean portion works.
What documents are required to ship a car to Laos?
A used vehicle leaving the United States generally needs the original title or an accepted certified copy, VIN information, and an EEI filing through AES at least 72 hours before export. For Laos, shipment paperwork commonly includes the invoice, packing list, transport document or bill of lading, customs declaration, and the required vehicle import authorization. Permanently imported used vehicles must also meet Lao technical-document requirements. A1's international vehicle documentation guide covers the U.S. paperwork in more detail.
What shipping methods are available when shipping a car to Laos?
RoRo and container shipping can both be used for the ocean portion of a car shipment to Laos, followed by inland transport from the regional gateway. RoRo is usually the lower-cost choice for an operable vehicle that can be driven on and off the vessel. A dedicated container provides enclosed transport and is often preferred for valuable, modified, or non-running vehicles. Availability depends on the gateway and sailing schedule, so compare both methods before booking. A1's RoRo shipping guide explains the method in more detail.
What import rules apply before shipping a car to Laos?
As of October 7, 2026, permanent vehicle imports into Laos require a technical permit from the transport authorities and an import permit from the industry and trade sector. Permanently imported vehicles must have left-hand steering and meet Lao safety and environmental standards. U.S. Commerce guidance also says the temporary suspension on light vehicles with a CIF value above $50,000 remains in effect, apart from approved essential or international-obligation uses. Confirm Lao import approval before committing the vehicle to an overseas sailing.




