Ship Car To Sri Lanka

Last updated Oct, 01 2026
Ship Car To Sri Lanka

Move Your Car To Or From Sri Lanka

Typical Shipping Prices – How Much Does It Cost?

Pinned

New Deals are now available for shipping all types vehicles using our vetted reliable shippers. Compare price estimates & Unlock up 25% off.

Estimated Cost & Time For Delivery

  • Shipping a vehicle to Sri Lanka usually costs $1,800–$3,500, depending on origin, vehicle size, shipping method, and destination port fees.
  • Ocean transport to Sri Lanka typically takes 30–50 days, with container and RoRo services available through major ports.
  • International shipments require customs paperwork, export documentation, and compliant carriers following maritime transport regulations.
To/FromGroundOceanDays
New York, NY to Colombo$275$3,2005+36
Los Angeles to City Limits$350$2,0005+39
Boston, MA to Local Area$410$3,2005+36
Local Delivery to Las Vegas, NV$460$2,0005+39
Seattle, WA, to Colombo$560$2,0006+39
Detroit, MI, to Colombo$575$3,2006+36
Local Area to Chicago, IL$675$3,2006+36
City Limits to Denver, CO$775$2,0007+39
Memphis, TN to Colombo$800$3,2006+36
City Limits to Dallas, TX$1,025$2,0007+39
a truck travels along a road
  • 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.

When deciding to ship your vehicle to another country, it is best to do some research beforehand and seek the help of a reputable auto transport company. There are a variety of scenarios in which you may need to import your vehicle, but the most common situation would be for personal use by a non-national resident.

A-1 Auto Transport Ships Worldwide.
Get a Free, No Obligation to Buy, Auto Shipping Quote.
Get my free quote now
or call us to do it for you:
vehicles on a trailer

Vehicle Moving Guidelines

  • Applicant should have at least a 6-month resident visa in Sri Lanka.
  • The vehicle should be used only by the license holder and his/her family.
  • The vehicle must be 3.5 years old or newer.
  • When the vehicle owner leaves the country, the vehicle must be exported at that time.
  • The vehicle should be right-hand driven.
  • Importation of a single vehicle by any one person MUST be limited to one occurrence every 5 years.
a man poses next to a silver Mercedes vehicle

Required Documents

  1. Passport (and copy)
  2. Documents showing the period of stay in Sri Lanka (including arrival and departure and reason for the stay
  3. Vehicle Registration.
  4. Visa Details.
  5. Driver’s License.
  6. Registration or certificate of title.
  7. Purchase invoice. As with any import into a foreign country, the vehicle will be subject to customs taxes and fees upon arrival. To understand the current duty fees associated with this transaction, you are recommended to contact the Sri Lanka Customs Department directly.

Click here to learn more about the vehicle registration process in Sri Lanka.

a pair of tractors travels along a country road

How to Import a Vehicle to Sri Lanka: A Complete Guide on Sending a Car from the UK

When it comes to importing a car to Sri Lanka, the process involves several steps to ensure everything goes smoothly. First and foremost, it's essential to verify the vehicle's eligibility. Sri Lanka has specific rules regarding the age of cars and emission standards. Typically, cars should not be older than three years, so make sure the vehicle you're planning to import meets these requirements. Once you've confirmed that the vehicle qualifies, the next step is to gather the necessary documents. These include the vehicle's original title, purchase invoice, passport copy, and proof of ownership.

Next, you'll need to pay the import duties and taxes, which can vary based on the type and value of the vehicle. Be aware that Sri Lanka imposes relatively high taxes on imported cars, so it's important to factor this into your planning. Two main shipping options are RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) or container shipping. RoRo is a more economical choice, but container shipping provides additional protection for your car. Once the vehicle arrives at the port, it’s time for customs clearance. You must submit all the required documents and pay any outstanding fees before your car can be released.

If you’re looking to send a car from the UK to Sri Lanka, the process is somewhat similar. The key step is to decide on the shipping method. As with importing a car to Sri Lanka, you can choose between RoRo or container shipping. If you aim to save on shipping costs, RoRo is a solid choice. However, container shipping will offer more protection for your vehicle, especially if it's a luxury car or something you want to keep in pristine condition during transit. Before shipping, you must prepare your vehicle by cleaning it thoroughly and removing any personal items. Some shipping companies may also require you to disconnect the battery or drain certain fluids.

Once your car is ready to ship, you must ensure all your documentation is in order. This includes things like proof of ownership, identification, and the export declaration from the UK. Just like when importing a car from any other location to Sri Lanka, you’ll have to pay import duties and taxes upon arrival. Sri Lanka’s import taxes can be high, so make sure you clearly understand what to expect financially. After the car clears customs, you can arrange delivery to your destination in Sri Lanka.

Working with a professional shipping company can make this process smoother. They’ll guide you through the paperwork and ensure that the car arrives safely and in compliance with all regulations. Whether you’re shipping to Sri Lanka from the UK or elsewhere, following these steps will help ensure that your experience with importing a car to Sri Lanka goes as smoothly as possible.

a truck travels along a road

How We Carry Out International Transports

We offer a few diverse delivery strategies to individuals who wish to transport equipment or oversized cargo to another country. These techniques are totally protected strategies for anyone in need of overseas moving services, yet what is accessible to you will depend on the kind of cargo you're transporting. For more information regarding our overseas administrations, we decided to give you insight into each of our moving methods.

  • Container Transport
  • Flat Rack Shipping
  • Roll On/Roll Off Shipping
  • Lift On/Lift Off Shipping

If your heavy equipment can slide safely into a 40ft shipping container, then you should be able to use this enclosed transport method for your cargo delivery to Sri Lanka. The roll-on/roll-off shipping method is the cheapest open-air transport service we offer, yet it requires your vehicle or equipment to drive onto and off of the ship using a ramp. Flat rack shipping secures your cargo to a metal frame before it’s placed on the boat, while lift-on/lift-off shipping is mainly recommended for crated cargo and those with inoperable vehicles.

a truck moves down a road

Relevant Statistics

  • More than 10,000 cars are imported through shipping annually.
  • Approximately 90% of the imported cars are used vehicles.
  • The average cost of sending a car is around $1,500.
  • Over 80% of the cars imported to Sri Lanka come from Japan.

General Facts

  • Moving a car typically includes documentation, customs clearance, and arranging transportation.
  • It is critical to comply with the import regulations and requirements of Sri Lanka's customs authorities.
  • Moving methods can vary, including container shipping or roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping for vehicles.
  • Costs associated with shipping a car to Sri Lanka can include shipping fees, import duties, taxes, and any additional services required during the process.

Other Services

  • Overseas Moving Services to Sri Lanka
highlighting the beauty of the countryside

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ship my car to Sri Lanka from the United States?

Yes, you can ship a car from the United States to Sri Lanka by ocean freight, but transport availability does not automatically mean the vehicle qualifies for import clearance. Before loading, confirm the exact model, manufacture date, HS classification, and any import-control license requirement that applies to the vehicle. Sri Lanka’s current rules distinguish vehicle categories and age bands, including special licensing treatment for certain vehicles more than three years old. A1’s international car shipping guide explains the U.S. export side of an overseas vehicle move.

How much does it cost to ship a car to Sri Lanka?

Shipping a standard car from the U.S. to Sri Lanka currently runs about $1,800-$3,500 for ocean transport on many applicable routes and service types. RoRo can fall toward the lower end when suitable service is available, while dedicated containers and higher-cost departure lanes can exceed the range. Vehicle dimensions, U.S. origin, port charges, and shipping method account for most quote differences. Sri Lankan duties, taxes, clearance fees, and inland delivery are separate from the ocean-freight figure. A car shipping rates calculator can help scope the transport portion.

What shipping methods are available for Sri Lanka car imports?

The main ocean options for shipping a car to Sri Lanka are roll-on/roll-off and container shipping. RoRo works for vehicles that meet the carrier’s operating requirements because the vehicle is driven onto and off the vessel. A container encloses the vehicle and can provide more separation from other cargo and the marine environment, although pricing varies by container type and departure lane. Availability is sailing-dependent, so the practical choice starts with the vehicle’s condition and the services offered from your U.S. departure port. See A1’s RoRo shipping guide for method details.

What documents are required to import a vehicle into Sri Lanka?

As of October 1, 2026, Sri Lanka Customs requires Customs Declarations and supporting documents to be submitted electronically with valid digital signatures rather than through manual submission. For sea cargo, core customs documents include the CusDec, commercial invoice, bill of lading, delivery order, payment documentation, and insurance certificate, with an import-control license or other certificates required when applicable. Motor-vehicle declarations are handled by the Customs Motor Vehicle Unit. Your exact vehicle classification determines which additional approvals must accompany the entry.

How long does it take to ship a car to Sri Lanka?

U.S.-to-Sri Lanka ocean transit commonly takes about 30-50 days port to port on current Colombo-bound services, although some routings can run longer. Recent published lanes show roughly 30-34 days from Chicago, 37-41 days from Seattle, and 38-45 days from Miami for full-container service. Those figures cover ocean routing rather than U.S. vehicle pickup, export processing, or Sri Lankan customs clearance. Vessel connections and the departure port can therefore change the total elapsed time. A1’s international car shipping by sea guide explains the ocean portion of the process.

Are there restrictions or taxes when importing cars into Sri Lanka?

Yes. Sri Lanka applies vehicle-specific import controls and taxes, so eligibility and the final tax amount depend on the vehicle’s classification rather than one universal percentage. Customs uses the applicable HS code and its valuation rules, while current import-control schedules also distinguish vehicles by characteristics such as age and vehicle type. Sri Lanka Customs publishes the current tariff and notes that motor-vehicle values are determined through its vehicle valuation process. Confirm the applicable HS code, licensing status, and current charges before the vehicle leaves the U.S.

Sanjeth Perera
Very clear from start
★★★★★

Very good service! I shipped my car to Sri Lanka through them, and the whole experience was excellent. Everything felt transparent from start to finish, and they explained each step clearly, especially when dealing with the auction side. They really helped me end up with a solid vehicle at a reasonable price. 

Hashan Fernando
Smooth process all through
★★★★★

Top-notch and really great customer service. The whole moving process went smoothly and nothing felt confusing or hidden. The team was patient and knew what they were doing, which made a big difference. I’m really happy with how everything turned out. Would suggest A1 Auto Transport, if you’re planning to ship a car.

Lakmal Jayasinghe
People you can trust
★★★★★

One of the most trusted teams I’ve come across for moving vehicles. Prices were fair and the quality was really good. The owner was friendly and easy to talk to, always ready to help. You can tell they’ve been doing this for years. They make sure you get something worth it.

Thrishala Mendis
Helped every step
★★★★★

They handled my BMW shipment really well. Team were super helpful and stayed in touch the whole time, explaining things as we went. Everything felt organized and they paid attention to the details. The process went smoothly without much stress. I’d happily recommend their team.

Recently featured on USA Today

“A1 Auto Transport became synonymous with top-notch service delivery, unfailing punctuality and constantly preoccupied with customer satisfaction.”

See Article
Share this content on social media for a chance to get up to 20% off your next shipment.
Copy link
Joe Webster
Written ByJoe Webster
Connect with Joe Webster on facebookConnect with Joe Webster on linkedin
Dave loved the fast delivery Dave C.
★★★★★
Dave loved the fast delivery
My relocation to Chicago was fast, smooth and without any delay thanks to A1 Auto.
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidance Courtney J.
★★★★★
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidance
Just what you need when trusting someone with your wheels! Kudos to this company!
Jeff enjoyed the fair price Jeff D.
★★★★★
Jeff enjoyed the fair price
Moved my ride hassle-free with these folks.Fair pricing, no surprises. Definitely recommend them!
Maria enjoyed the special care and safety Maria L.
★★★★★
Maria enjoyed the special care and safety
Huge thanks to the movers – they were meticulous with my car. Love these guys.

Visit our social, and see what our clients are saying about us:

Ship Your Vehicle With A-1 Auto Today
Customer Images
7790 people shipped using A-1 Auto Transport last week
Scratch-Free Guarantee
Vetted Carriers
Transparent Costs

Our Partners:

Better Business Bureau Accredited
FMCSA Member
INC. 500 Member
VeriSign Secured
AMSA Member

A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F