Ship Car To Reunion Island
Importing a Vehicle to the French Island of Reunion
Typical Shifting Prices – How Much Does It Cost?
- Shipping a car from the United States to Reunion Island is generally between $3,200 and $6,500.
- Direct shipments can be more expensive during certain times of year since it is an island territory.
The island of Reunion is located in the Indian Ocean and has over 800,000 residents. Tourism is one of the country's significant forms of income. The government is a mountainous tourist attraction with beautiful waterfalls and many different species of birds, and is known for humpback whale migration in the coral reefs.
The country is well-established and has roadways that stretch clear across the island, avoiding the mountainous regions. Relocating a personal vehicle there for extended visits or for a permanent stay will make traveling the area much more manageable for any U.S. citizen.
- Shipping a car from the U.S. to Réunion Island costs $2,000–$5,500+, with island territory status and limited vessel routing pushing rates toward the higher end during peak periods.
- Most U.S.-to-Réunion shipments take 4–10 weeks due to Indian Ocean transshipment routing; cyclone season from November through April can affect vessel scheduling and port access.
- As a French overseas territory, Réunion requires French customs clearance documentation, and imported vehicles must be registered in France within 4 months of the owner's arrival.
Popular Shifting Destinations
- Saint-Denis
- Saint-Paul
Methods of Car Shipment from the United States to Reunion
There are two main acts of vehicle shipment. These shifting methods include the RO/RO method and container method. Both are very practical and easy to understand.
Container shipping is the pricier option. It allows a person to not only ship their vehicle but also fill the vehicle and the container with personal belongings permitted by Reunion Customs. The container comes in two sizes and can be split with another individual if traveling abroad with others. The cost will be lessened if the container is shared.
RO/RO shipping is also known as the roll-on, roll-off method. This means the vehicle is driven onto and off of the ship. The vehicle must be empty except for floor mats, a car jack, and a spare tire when transporting.
General Export Information For Reunion Island
No matter where a vehicle is being hauled to, there are always requirements and specific forms of documentation that will be needed. To relocate a vehicle to Reunion, there isn't too much standing in a vehicle owner's way. In fact, France is one of the most lenient continent vehicles shifting from the U.S.
Nearly any type of private vehicle can be moved to the island. This even includes motorhomes, motorcycles, and semi-trailers. Duties will be applied to all cars and will differ depending on the vehicle type. Contact the French Embassy for further information on tariffs.
Required Documents For Shipping A Vehicle To Reunion Island
- Vehicle registration
- The vehicle must be registered in France within the first 4 months of the owner's stay.
- Commercial invoice, if applicable
- Customs entry certificate and invoice
- Passport
- License of picture I.D.
- Title
- Proof of ownership
- Bill of lading
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to Reunion Island from the USA?
Shipping a car to Reunion Island typically costs between $2,000 and $5,500+, depending on the departure port, vehicle size, shipping method, and customs-related charges. Sedans shipped via RoRo are usually less expensive than oversized SUVs or luxury vehicles moved in containers. Port handling fees and inland transport within the U.S. also affect pricing. For current pricing factors, see the international car shipping calculator.
How long does ship car to Reunion Island service usually take?
Most shipments to Reunion Island take approximately 4 to 10 weeks from vehicle pickup to port arrival. Transit times depend on the U.S. departure port, vessel schedules, transshipment requirements, customs processing, and seasonal shipping demand. Vehicles departing from East Coast ports often move faster than those requiring cross-country transport before export. Booking several weeks in advance can help secure better vessel availability and reduce scheduling delays.
Can I use container shipping when shipping a car to Reunion Island?
Yes. Container shipping is a popular option for customers transporting luxury, classic, electric, or high-value vehicles to Reunion Island. A sealed container offers added protection from ocean exposure and allows personal vehicle-related items when permitted by shipping regulations. While container service costs more than RoRo, many owners prefer the additional security. Customers shipping premium vehicles often choose enclosed vehicle transport before export to further protect their investment.
What documents are required to ship a car to Reunion Island?
Most international vehicle shipments require the original vehicle title, registration, government-issued identification, shipping authorization forms, and customs paperwork. If the vehicle is financed, additional lender approval may be necessary before export. French customs authorities serving Reunion Island may request supporting import documentation depending on the vehicle's status and ownership history. Preparing documents early helps avoid clearance delays and unexpected storage charges at the destination port.
Is RoRo shipping available for Reunion Island vehicle transport?
Roll-on/Roll-off shipping is frequently used for operational vehicles traveling overseas because it is often the most economical method. The vehicle is driven onto a specialized vessel and secured for ocean transit. Availability depends on carrier schedules, departure ports, and vessel routing. Customers comparing transport methods can review options through international car shipping services to determine whether RoRo or container shipping better fits their budget and vehicle type.
Can A1 Auto Transport arrange pickup anywhere in the United States before shipping to Reunion Island?
Yes. Vehicles can typically be collected from residential addresses, dealerships, auctions, businesses, and many metropolitan areas across the United States before export. Domestic transport costs vary based on distance, accessibility, vehicle dimensions, and timing. Many customers choose door-to-door auto transport to move the vehicle to the designated export port, simplifying the international shipping process and reducing coordination between multiple transportation providers.
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