Ship Car to Mecca with Trusted International Shipping
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to Mecca from the USA?
Shipping a car to Mecca from the USA typically costs between $2,700 and $5,500. Pricing depends on vehicle size, shipping method (RoRo or container), U.S. port location, and inland delivery from Jeddah to Mecca. Larger vehicles and container shipping increase costs, while RoRo is usually lower. Inland transport must use licensed Saudi carriers. Cost drivers are explained in the international car shipping service overview.
How long does it take to ship a car to Mecca, Saudi Arabia?
Transit time averages 5 to 8 weeks from the U.S. to Mecca. This includes ocean freight to Jeddah Port, customs clearance, and bonded inland transport. Sailing schedules, port congestion, and Saudi inspections can extend timelines. Peak shipping seasons and documentation issues are the most common causes of delays on this route.
Can I ship a car directly to Mecca?
No. Vehicles cannot be imported directly into Mecca. All international shipments arrive at Jeddah Islamic Port, then move inland by approved carriers. Mecca has restricted access zones that require licensed logistics providers. Door-to-door delivery is available only after customs clearance using compliant inland transport services such as door-to-door auto transport.
What taxes and duties apply when importing a car into Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia charges a 5% customs duty on the CIF value, plus 15% VAT applied to the vehicle value and duty combined. Vehicles that exceed age limits or fail Gulf specifications may be rejected. All charges must be paid before release from Jeddah Port. These rules apply nationally and are enforced strictly at entry points.
Can I ship a non-running car to Mecca?
Yes, non-running vehicles can be shipped, but container shipping is usually required. These vehicles need winch loading and special handling, increasing costs by $300–$800. RoRo shipping generally requires the vehicle to roll and steer. Non-operable status must be declared in advance. Method differences are outlined in the roll-on roll-off shipping costs guide.
What documents are required to ship a car to Mecca?
Required documents include the original vehicle title, bill of sale, passport copy, and U.S. export authorization. Saudi customs may also require a conformity certificate showing GCC compliance. Missing or mismatched paperwork is the leading cause of clearance delays. Documentation standards are detailed in the international car shipping by sea process.
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