How much does it cost to ship a car to Mecca from the U.S.?

Shipping a car to Mecca typically ranges from $2,700 to $5,400, depending on factors like vehicle size, shipping method (RoRo or container), and the U.S. port of departure. The vehicle is usually shipped to Jeddah Port, followed by inland transport to Mecca using bonded Saudi carriers.

What is the average transit time for shipping a car to Mecca?

The average transit time is between 5 to 8 weeks. This includes ocean freight to Jeddah Port and subsequent inland haulage to Mecca.

What taxes and duties will I need to pay when importing a car into Saudi Arabia?

Importing a car into Saudi Arabia involves several fees: Customs Duty: 5% of the vehicle's CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value. Value Added Tax (VAT): 15% applied to the sum of the CIF value and customs duty. These rates can vary based on the vehicle's specifications and age.

Can I ship a non-running car to Mecca?

Yes, non-operational vehicles can be shipped to Mecca, but they require special equipment like winches for loading and unloading. This may incur additional fees, so it's crucial to inform the shipping company about the vehicle's condition upfront.

What documents are required to ship a car to Mecca?

To ship a car to Mecca, you'll need the following documents: Original vehicle title. Bill of sale. Valid driver's license or passport. Proof of insurance. Import permit (if applicable).

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Car Shipping Mecca

Importing a motor vehicle to Mecca is slightly different than importing to other cities in Saudi Arabia. While Mecca is one of the largest cities not only in terms of population and land area, it is also a very commercially productive city. One essential thing you need to know about Mecca before having a motor vehicle imported is that you are only allowed in the town if you are Muslim. Non-Muslim people may not enter this holy city at all. If you are staying in Mecca, you will find that having your motor vehicle will be very necessary, as there is no public transit at all in Mecca except for taxi cabs. Taxis in Mecca can be expensive if you must use them daily. You will only be able to import your car if it is within five years of the manufacture date, has never been wrecked or used in a crime, and you will need a Certificate of Conformity issued by the Ministry of External Affairs to Saudi Arabia before the motor vehicle is even shipped from the United States. You must have all of the overseas shipping handled by a professional auto transport company.

Eligibility and Vehicle Requirements

Only Muslims are permitted to enter Mecca, and this restriction extends to vehicle imports. Therefore, only Muslim individuals can import vehicles into the city. Additionally, Saudi Arabia enforces strict vehicle import regulations:

Vehicle Age: The car must be no more than five years old from the date of manufacture.
Condition: Vehicles previously involved in accidents, floods, or criminal activities are prohibited.
Drive Orientation: Only left-hand drive vehicles are allowed.
Conformity: The vehicle must have a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) confirming that it meets local standards.

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Cost & Time Examples For Moving Your Vehicle

To/From	Ground	Ocean	Estimated Time
City Limits to (New York port) to New York, NY	$275	$2900	5+36 days
Los Angeles to (California port) to Mecca	$350	$3300	5+42 days
Boston, MA to (New York port) to Local Area	$400	$2900	5+36 days
Mecca to (California port) to Portland, OR	$475	$3300	6+42 days
Phoenix, AZ to (California port) to Local Delivery	$550	$3300	6+42 days
Detroit, MI to (New York port) to Mecca	$575	$2900	6+36 days
City Limits to (New York port) to Atlanta, GA	$700	$2900	6+36 days
Denver, CO to (California port) to Mecca	$775	$3300	7+42 days
Memphis, TN to (New York port) to Local Area	$800	$2900	6+36 days
Local Delivery to (California port) to Dallas, TX	$1,025	$3300	7+42 days

*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.

*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 transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.

*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.

overhead perspective of a container vessel loaded with cargo at sea

Paperwork

You’ll have a lot of paperwork to get together for the transport company and customs in Saudi Arabia. For the transport company in the United States, you will need essential documents like your license, social security card, motor vehicle title, and a signed Power of Attorney statement. The statement will give the company access to transport your motor vehicle. They will also need you to complete other mandatory shipping paperwork before the motor vehicle can be shipped. You will want to contact the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Washington, DC, for complete information on what you will need for customs when the motor vehicle reaches Mecca. You must also get a residence permit before relocating the motor vehicle. Customs will require you to have some of the following paperwork as well:

Sponsor Letter of Employment for your Work Visa.
Motor Vehicle Title.
Original Bill of Sale.
Passport.
Motor Vehicle Insurance is valid in Mecca.
Saudi Driver’s License.

When you are with customs, you must ensure you have all the necessary paperwork for clearance. If you do not have the correct documents, customs can immediately export your motor vehicle to the United States.

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Import Duties and Taxes

Be prepared to pay the following fees upon import:

Customs Duty: 5% of the vehicle's value, including cost, insurance, and freight (CIF).
Value Added Tax (VAT): 15% of the CIF value.
Additional Fees: Costs for customs clearance, temporary license plates, and vehicle inspection may apply.

Shipping and Clearance Process

Select a Shipping Method: Based on your budget and vehicle protection needs, choose between roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) or container shipping.
Arrange for Inspection: Ensure the vehicle undergoes a pre-shipment inspection by an authorized body to obtain the necessary CoC.
Customs Clearance: Upon arrival at a Saudi port, the vehicle will be inspected, and all documentation will be reviewed.
Registration: After clearing customs, register the vehicle with the Saudi traffic department to obtain permanent license plates.

transportation vessel used for carrying cargo vehicles

Shifting to Mecca

In the United States, it’s easy to ship a motor vehicle from one state to another by simply driving it or loading it onto a transport truck. Shipping overseas is far more complex than that, but will be taken care of just as quickly when you have the services of an international auto transport company.

Your transport agent will determine how to transport your motor vehicle as you plan for hauling. You can contact U.S. Customs for information on export laws for the United States and to check on rules that may have been recently changed concerning shipping your motor vehicle to Mecca.