- Qualifications For Shipping An Automobile To Rwanda
- Shipping A Car To Rwanda
- Typical Shipping Prices – How Much Does It Cost?
- Cost & Time Examples For Shipping A Car To Rwanda
- Popular Shipping Destinations
- Rwanda Auto Imports | Required Documentation & Taxation
- Required Documents For Shipping A Vehicle To Rwanda
- Taxation
- Rwanda Auto Import Resources
- Shipping Of Heavy Equipment & Oversized Cargo To Rwanda
- How Will My Cargo Get To Rwanda?
- Other Services
- Related Information & Faqs

Qualifications For Shipping An Automobile To Rwanda
Shipping A Car To Rwanda.
Typical Shipping 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.
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 the ground transport cost by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
*Prices are for 1 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.
*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.
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 Rwanda.
For residents returning to Rwanda, there is a duty reduction that is available as long as the vehicle being imported is not a commercial vehicle. 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. 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 that are brought into Rwanda, 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 of getting your vehicle serviced while you’re in Rwanda. Parts for other types of vehicles can be found, but they may have to be ordered from elsewhere.
The roads in Rwanda can be rough, especially by U.S. standards. There are paved roads, but most are made of dirt and the level of smoothness varies widely, making it preferable to have a vehicle that has four-wheel drive. In between the main towns in the country, most of the roads are paved but do have occasional potholes.
See the Transport and Communications section of this PDF to learn more about getting around and driving in Rwanda.
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Popular Shipping Destinations

Rwanda Auto Imports | Required Documentation & Taxation
The information below covers the required documentation, taxes, and duties for shipping a car to Rwanda from another country.
Required Documents For Shipping A Vehicle To Rwanda
- Purchase invoice.
- Bill of Lading (OBL).
- Certificate of origin.
- Vehicle title.
- Registration.
- Drivers 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 are coming from the United States or Great Britain, you are exempted from visa requirements in Rwanda.
A certificate indicating vaccination for Yellow Fever is required before entering the country.
Taxation
When transporting a motor vehicle to Rwanda, there are four types of taxes that must be paid (not including registration). Taxes are based on the value of the vehicle as 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!
Rwanda 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 are available about tourism, trade, foreign affairs and services for U.S. citizens living in Rwanda or planning on moving there.
- The Eye Magazine - The Eye Magazine’s is a publication that offers an insider’s guide to living in Rwanda and Burundi, it’s neighbor to the south.
Shipping Of Heavy Equipment & Oversized Cargo To Rwanda
From planning to execution, shipping heavy equipment and/or oversized cargo to Rwanda should be a straightforward, simple process. 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 all around the world and have professionals at the ready to discuss your needs, and help create a catered solution. We can handle any oversized shipping need you might have including some of the freight 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 Rwanda?
There are a few methods of getting your oversized and/or heavy cargo to Rwanda and it depends mostly on the size and weight of your freight. If your cargo is small enough then the use of a shipping container might be a solution for you. Sized in 20 and 40 foot dimensions, containers aren’t usually ideal for oversized cargo except in the cases that they are collapsable. Containers do provide the most security and protection from the elements and can fit many vehicles and supplies.
If you’re transporting cargo that can be self operated and on wheels, then shipping with a RoRo Vessel would be an excellent solution. Designed specifically for self propelled operables, freight (as the name implies) rolls into the hull of the ship and then back out once in Rwanda. Often times the least expensive form of shipping, RoRo is a safe and effective way to transport.
If your cargo is crated or non operable then using the LoLo shipping method would be right up your alley. Standing for Lift On/Lift Off, LoLo vessels specialize in lifting and placing cargo onto a ship with the help of a crane operator
Lastly, your cargo can be shipped via a flat rack. Either a flat slab with elevated corners or a framed shipping container sans walls, a flat rack is a very versatile shipping option. Able to handle a wide variety of heavy and oversized freight due to the lack of wall constraints, flat racks are ideal for the most uniquely sized items.