Shipping Motorcycles To Colombia
How To Ship Your Motorcycle To Or From Colombia?
Typical Dispatching Prices – How Much Does It Cost?
- The freight charges for shipping a bike to Columbia from the USA are $1,300 to $3,000.
- The most preferred method of transporting a motorbike is in a shared container, as that is the most affordable option.
Columbia is located in South America, while some of its territories are in Central America. It shares its borders with Venezuela, Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Brazil. Geographically, the country encapsulates the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, tropical grasslands, and Amazonian rainforests.
Documentation
If you plan to travel around Colombia on your bike or just need it to commute to work or study, transporting it from the USA seems the best solution. It is essential to consider the fact that used vehicles and two-wheelers are not allowed in the countryside. Additionally, you must have an importation license before you can move a car here. To get the permit to import and clear the Colombian Customs Department and the United States Customs, you are required to submit documents including:
- Motorbike title deed
- Registration documents- VIN, year, make, and model details
- Bill of sale
- Purchase invoice
It is important to note that the information on the documents is the same as on the entry license that you need to ship your bike here. However, you must have a delivery license before shipping your motorcycle from the USA to Colombia. Another key aspect to consider is that you should not consider putting your cruiser as part of the household goods if you plan on moving to the Colombian Republic for an extended stay. It is essential to know all about its regulations on sedan interchange so that cargo imports have no delays or seizures, apart from paying fines and fees.
- Shipping a motorcycle from the U.S. to Colombia typically costs $1,200–$2,500, with shared container service being the most affordable method on this route.
- Most sea shipments to Colombia arrive in 18–35 days, including crating, port handling, and Colombian customs clearance; air freight delivers in 3–7 days at higher cost.
- Colombia requires an importation license, a SOAT compulsory insurance certificate, and full VIN-matched documentation before the DIAN customs authority releases the motorcycle.
Temporary Import
It is legal to bring a ride with a U.S. registration here for tourism or transit purposes. You cannot just ride your bike into its cities without first obtaining a temporary entry license. You must have SOAT or compulsory auto insurance even though this import permit will be issued at the border. You can drive to Medellín once you have completed and authenticated the temporary import permission. In addition to the form, you must attach copies of your title deed registration papers, owner passport, and Bill of Lading. The Ministry of Transport is a good resource for additional details.
Registration of Cross-border Bike
It is essential to submit a lot of paperwork to register your motorbike at the local transport office. These are:
- Import declaration
- Purchase invoice
- SOAT Certificate
- Receipt of paid taxes
Registering a bike over a car is cheaper, so ensure you have all the required documents. You might want to talk with us or contact the Colombian Consulate for updates on the latest import laws and duties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle from the U.S. to Colombia?
As of August 5, 2026, shipping a standard motorcycle from the U.S. to Colombia usually costs $1,300-$2,500 for ocean transport. Crating, U.S. inland pickup, terminal handling, and destination services can raise the working budget to $2,000-$3,000, excluding Colombian taxes or duties that may apply to the selected import status. Bike dimensions, departure coast, container space, and service speed account for most differences. A1’s international motorcycle shipping guide explains what a written quote should include.
How long does motorcycle shipping from the U.S. to Colombia take?
Motorcycle shipping from the U.S. to Colombia commonly takes 3-6 weeks by ocean and about 5-12 days by air. The ocean window includes export handling, consolidation or crating, sailing, and Colombian release, rather than only time aboard the vessel. East Coast service to Colombia’s Caribbean ports can have a shorter sea leg, while indirect or West Coast routing takes longer. Confirm whether the carrier’s estimate begins at pickup, terminal acceptance, or vessel departure.
What documents are required to ship a motorcycle from the U.S. to Colombia?
For U.S. export, prepare the original title or another accepted ownership document, carrier booking details, and lienholder authorization when applicable. CBP requires the motorcycle and required ownership documents at the export port at least 72 hours before departure by vessel or aircraft; the exporter or agent must also complete applicable electronic export filings. Colombia’s tourist process requires proof of ownership or a qualifying rental or loan document plus immigration authorization. A1’s international motorcycle FAQ provides additional carrier-side guidance.
Can a U.S.-registered motorcycle enter Colombia temporarily for a riding trip?
A nonresident tourist can temporarily import a privately used motorcycle into Colombia through DIAN for up to six months, limited by the authorized immigration stay. The application may be submitted before or during arrival, and the motorcycle normally must be re-exported with the authorization closed before it expires. Foreign vehicles must carry SOAT before circulating on Colombian roads. DIAN also states that a used vehicle admitted through this tourist procedure cannot later be legalized and nationalized through the same process.
Should I use container, RoRo, or air freight to ship a motorcycle to Colombia?
For one motorcycle, a crated shared-container shipment is usually the most practical ocean option because it protects the bike and does not require it to run. RoRo may be available on selected port pairs for an operable motorcycle, while air freight is faster and usually costs more. Most bikes ship assembled, although mirrors, panniers, windscreens, or batteries may need adjustment for crate dimensions or carrier rules. A1’s RoRo motorcycle shipping guide explains how drive-on vessel loading differs from container service.
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