Ship Car to Rwanda Easily with Reliable Global Service

Last updated Mar, 07 2026

Ship Car to Rwanda Easily with Reliable Global Service

Qualifications For Shipping An Automobile To Rwanda

Typical Transport Prices – How Much Does It Cost?

From the United States, most cars can be shipped to Rwanda for $3,500 to $7,000.
Both the distance involved and the accessibility to the country by ship are factors that influence the cost.

Selecting the Appropriate Shipping Method

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping are the two primary methods for shipping cars to Rwanda. RoRo is generally more cost-effective, with prices starting around $2,500, but it offers less protection as vehicles are exposed to the elements during transit. Container shipping, while more expensive, ranging from $3,500 to $7,000, provides enhanced security, making it suitable for high-value or classic cars. The choice between these methods depends on your budget and the protection desired for your vehicle.

Navigating the Customs Clearance Process

Vehicles destined for Rwanda undergo customs clearance upon arrival at East African ports such as Mombasa or Dar es Salaam. This process requires documentation, including the original vehicle title, purchase invoice, international insurance, and a bill of lading. Engaging a local clearing agent can facilitate this process, ensuring compliance with Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) regulations and expediting the release of your vehicle.

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Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to Rwanda

To/From	Ground	Ocean	Days
New York, NY to (New York port) to Kigali	$275	$9,600	5+36
Los Angeles to (California port) to Kigali	$350	$10,100	5+47
Boston, MA to (New York port) to Kigali	$400	$9,600	5+36
Portland, OR to (California port) to Kigali	$475	$10,100	6+47
Phoenix, AZ to (California port) to Kigali	$550	$10,100	6+47
Detroit, MI to (New York port) to Kigali	$575	$9,600	6+36
Atlanta, GA to (New York port) to Kigali	$700	$9,600	6+36
Denver, CO to (California port) to Kigali	$775	$10,100	7+47
Memphis, TN to (New York port) to Kigali	$800	$9,600	6+36
Dallas, TX to (California port) to Kigali	$1,025	$10,100	7+47

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

*Save ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.

*Allow an additional ten days to process the documents.

Understanding Rwanda's Vehicle Import Regulations

Rwanda permits the importation of left-hand drive vehicles without age restrictions. Right-hand drive vehicles are allowed only for a limited period of two weeks, primarily for transit purposes. Import duties include a 25% customs duty, 18% VAT, a 5% withholding tax, and a variable consumption tax based on engine capacity. For instance, vehicles with engine capacities between 1,501 and 3,000 cc incur a registration fee of RWF 250,000. Budgeting for these taxes and fees is essential to avoid unexpected expenses upon arrival.

a vehicle enclosed in a transporting container

*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 allows for faster shipments. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.

Since 2010, Rwanda has been operating under a harmonized vehicle registration process with other EAC (East African Community) countries. The agreement creates a uniform set of rules that apply even across the region, making it easier to understand the process of relocating a vehicle to the Land of a Thousand Hills.

Residents returning to Rwanda can qualify for a duty reduction if the imported vehicle is not commercial. Others who may qualify for a reduction are those who work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government aid workers, and foreign diplomats.

Contact us today if you need help exporting a car to Rwanda! All requests qualify for a FREE cost estimate, and we’re happy to answer your questions. Please get started by filling out the form to the right or calling us at the number at the top of the page!

There is no age limit on cars brought into the Land of a Thousand Hills, though it should be noted that they only accept imports of left-hand driving vehicles. As with many countries, Toyotas are a good option if you’re concerned about finding replacement parts or getting your vehicle serviced while in Rwanda. Parts for other types of vehicles can be found, but they may have to be ordered from elsewhere.

The Land of a Thousand Hills has some challenging roads, especially compared to those in the United States. Some streets are paved; however, having a four-wheel drive is highly recommended because the dirt roads are rarely in uniform condition. Most roads between major cities are paved but occasionally have potholes.

See this PDF's Transport and Communications section to learn more about getting around and driving in The Land of a Thousand Hills.

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Auto Imports | Required Documentation & Taxation

The information below covers the required documentation, taxes, and duties for importing a car from another country to Rwanda.

Required Documents For Moving A Vehicle

Purchase invoice.
Bill of Lading (OBL).
Certificate of origin.
Vehicle title.
Registration.
Driver license & international insurance.
Passport or visa.
Registration card.

You should contact the Rwandan Embassy for information about the different visa categories, of which the country has more than some others. If you come from the United States or Great Britain, you are exempt from visa requirements in Rwanda.

A certificate indicating vaccination for Yellow Fever is required before entering the country.

a visual representation of taxi tax and vehicle tax concepts

Taxation

When transporting a motor vehicle to Rwanda, four types of taxes must be paid (not including registration). Taxes are based on the vehicle's value determined by a customs agent.

Customs duty - 24%

Value-added tax (VAT - 18%

Consumption tax - varies by vehicle

Withholding tax - 5%

Call us to learn more about shipping a car to Rwanda! Phone consultations and online price quotes are given FREE of charge and require no obligation or payment on your part!

a white vehicle parked in front of a building

Relevant Statistics

Over 5,000 cars are imported to Rwanda annually through shipping.
The average cost of shipping a car to Rwanda is $2,500.
Approximately 80% of the imported cars to Rwanda are used vehicles.
Shipping a car from Europe to The Land of a Thousand Hills takes an average of 30 days.
Rwanda has seen a 10% increase in car imports over the past five years.

a vehicle is displayed inside a transporting container

General Facts

Shipping a car to Rwanda involves transporting a vehicle from one country to another.
The process usually includes documentation, such as proof of ownership and import permits.
Different shipping methods, such as container delivery or roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping, can be used.
Import taxes and duties may apply when importing a car to Rwanda.
Researching and working with reliable transit companies with experience shipping cars to Rwanda is essential.

Auto Import Resources

Republic of Rwanda - The official website for the Republic of Rwanda. You can learn about the history and government of the country and find resources for visitors and citizens.
Rwanda Embassy in the U.S. - News and information about Rwanda. Resources about tourism, trade, foreign affairs, and services are available for U.S. citizens living in The Land of a Thousand Hills or planning to move there.
The Eye Magazine—The Eye magazine is a publication that offers an insider’s guide to living in Rwanda and Burundi, Rwanda's neighbor to the south.

five vehicles positioned beside a cargo vessel

Importing Of Equipment & Oversized Cargo

From planning to execution, shipping heavy equipment and oversized cargo to Rwanda should be straightforward. With A-1 Auto, it is. Whether you are moving the family or have a large-scale project that needs particular delivery times, we can help. We come with decades of shipping experience worldwide and have professionals ready to discuss your needs, and help create a catered solution. We can handle any oversized delivery need you might have, including some of the following freight we have shipped recently.

Asphalt Pavers
Heavy Trucks
Bulldozers
Pontoon Boats
Cranes
Excavators
Tractors
Industrial Plant Equipment
Log Loaders

How Will My Cargo Get To The Area?

Shipping a vehicle or heavy cargo to Rwanda depends mainly on the cargo's size, type, and condition. For smaller vehicles or supplies, container shipping offers the most protection. Containers come in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes and shield cargo from weather and damage, making them ideal for operable vehicles and sensitive equipment.

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping is often the most affordable and efficient method if your cargo is wheeled and drivable. Your vehicle is driven onto the vessel and rolled off at the port in Rwanda no crating or heavy lifting required.

Lift-on/Lift-off (LoLo) shipping is the best fit for non-operable or crated items. These vessels use cranes to load and unload cargo, making them perfect for oversized or inoperable freight.

Lastly, flat rack shipping is a flexible option for irregular or oversized items. These racks have no walls and allow for cargo that wouldn't fit in a standard container. It’s a go-to method for shipping heavy machinery or uniquely shaped vehicles to Rwanda.

Each shipping method has advantages; selecting the right one depends on your cargo’s condition, size, and budget.

Other Services

Overseas Moving Services to Rwanda

Related Information & FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are required to ship a car to Rwanda?

To ship a vehicle internationally, you usually need the original vehicle title, bill of sale or commercial invoice, copy of your passport, and the bill of lading issued by the carrier. Rwandan customs may also require a packing list and proof of vehicle value to determine import taxes. Accurate documentation helps prevent clearance delays at the port. Many importers work with companies that specialize in international car shipping to ensure paperwork is verified before the vehicle departs.

Are there restrictions under Rwanda car import policy?

Rwanda allows imported vehicles but enforces several compliance requirements. Vehicles must be left-hand drive and meet safety and environmental inspection standards before registration. Older vehicles often face higher consumption taxes, which increases the total import cost. Authorities also review documentation and valuation during customs clearance. Understanding Rwanda car import policy is important because vehicles that fail inspections or paperwork verification may face delays, additional duties, or refusal at the port.

How much are the import taxes and duties when bringing a car into Rwanda?

Car import charges in Rwanda are calculated from the CIF value (cost, insurance, and freight) of the vehicle. Typical taxes include about 25 percent customs duty, 18 percent VAT, and roughly 5 percent withholding tax. Some vehicles may also be subject to a consumption tax depending on engine size and type. Because these costs can significantly increase the final price, many shippers estimate total expenses using an international car shipping rates calculator before importing.

What shipping methods are available when shipping a car to Rwanda?

The two main methods are Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping. RoRo allows vehicles to be driven directly onto a specialized vessel and is typically the most affordable option for standard cars. Container shipping places the vehicle inside a sealed container, offering more protection and space for additional cargo. Many international routes serving East Africa rely on RoRo because it reduces port handling costs. You can learn more about pricing and logistics through this guide to RoRo shipping costs.

How long does shipping a car to Rwanda usually take?

Shipping a car from the United States to Rwanda typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the departure port, shipping schedule, and customs clearance process. Vehicles are often delivered first to major East African ports such as Mombasa in Kenya or Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, then transported by truck into Rwanda. Transit time may increase during peak global shipping seasons or when customs inspections take longer than expected.

How much does it cost to ship a car to Rwanda?

The cost to ship a car to Rwanda generally ranges from $1,800 to $4,500 depending on distance, shipping method, vehicle size, and carrier availability. RoRo shipping is usually cheaper, while container transport costs more due to added protection. Additional costs may include inland transport from the port and Rwanda import duties. For valuable vehicles, some owners choose protected enclosed auto transport to move the vehicle safely to the export port before international shipment.