Car Shipping to South Africa from the UK
Ascope Shipping provides reliable car shipping from the UK to South Africa for individuals, returning residents, classic car owners, collectors and businesses. We arrange RoRo and container shipping for cars, 4x4s, vans and other eligible vehicles, with regular services to major South African ports including Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. If you are looking to ship a truck, please visit our truck shipping to South Africa page.
We handle the shipping process from the UK, including vehicle collection or port delivery, export documentation and shipping arrangements. Before booking, it is important to check that your vehicle and circumstances meet South Africa’s import requirements .
Our Shipping Options
RORO CAR SHIPPING TO SOUTH AFRICA
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) is usually the most economical way to ship a standard, running vehicle from the UK to South Africa. Your vehicle is driven onto a specialist RoRo vessel, secured for the voyage and unloaded at the destination port. This method is ideal for customers seeking door-to-port car shipping UK to South Africa, as well as standard port-to-port shipping.
RoRo shipping is perfect for transporting cars, vans, trucks, buses, and agricultural machinery. With weekly departures from Southampton, Sheerness, and Teesport, it ensures reliable delivery to Durban and Port Elizabeth.
This method is especially popular for customers seeking low-cost, secure vehicle shipping to Africa. Vehicles are charged based on the space they occupy on the vessel, making it an efficient and affordable option for vehicle shipping from UK to South Africa.
CONTAINER CAR SHIPPING TO SOUTH AFRICA
For added protection, container shipping is a great choice for your vehicle. Vehicles are loaded and lashed securely inside a container. This method is perfect for valuable, classic cars or multiple vehicles, keeping them safe during transport.
We offer both door-to-port and standard port-to-port shipping, giving customers the flexibility they need. If you are shipping a vehicle together with household goods, personal effects or other cargo, see our container shipping to South Africa service.
Transparent Pricing for Car Shipping to South Africa
| Vehicle Type | RO/RO Prices / Costs |
|---|
| Saloon Vehicle e.g VW Polo | £890 |
| 4×4 Vehicle e.g. Land Rover Discovery | Enquire |
| Vans e.g Vauxhall Combo | Enquire |
| 2 cars (saloon / 4×4) | Enquire |
Prices differ depending on the vehicle type, its size, and the shipping method used. Contact us for an exact quotation tailored to your needs. This transparent pricing structure ensures customers can plan their budget effectively for vehicle shipping from UK to South Africa.
How Long Does It take to Ship a Car Shippin from UK to South Africa?
The journey depends on the port and shipping option:
- RoRo shipping: 18 to 28 days
- Container shipping: 21 to 30 days
We provide an updated sailing schedule so customers know exactly when their shipment is due. For international customers, we also handle collection service from the UK and delivery to the port.
Can I Import My Car to South Africa?
South Africa’s used vehicle import policy is tightly controlled, and only specific categories qualify for an ITAC import permit, including returning South African residents, immigrants with permanent residence, diplomats, inherited vehicles, and vintage or classic cars (30+ years old). Most of our customers are returning residents or classic car collectors. We work with a trusted South Africa-based agent who handles the ITAC and customs process on your behalf.
Before arranging shipment, we recommend confirming that you qualify to import the vehicle. See our Car Shipping Guide to South Africa for a detailed explanation of eligibility, documentation and the import process.
South Africa Car Import Documents and Customs Requirements
Preparing the correct paperwork is essential for smooth customs clearance in South Africa.
Typical documents required to ship a car to South Africa include:
- Vehicle documents (V5 logbook)
- Passport copy and proof of ownership
- Import permit (IE462, from ITAC)
- Bill of Lading
- Payment of customs duties and VAT
Our South Africa-based agent guides you through every step, ensuring all documentation is completed correctly before your shipment departs.
Our South Africa-based agent will guide you through South Africa’s vehicle import regulations, per South African Revenue Service (SARS) requirements, making sure your shipment remains hassle-free and compliant. Whether you’re using RoRo or container shipping, we ensure every step meets legal and regulatory requirements.
Upcoming RoRo Shipments to Durban, South Africa
| Vessel: | Port: | Closing date: | Sailing date: | Arrival date: |
| Hoegh Target | Southampton | 07.08.2026 | 09.08.2026 | 02.09.2026 |
| Hoegh Trotter | Southampton | 26.08.2026 | 28.08.2026 | 18.09.2026 |
| Hoegh Trigger | Southampton | 02.09.2026 | 04.09.2026 | 29.09.2026 |
| Hoegh Sunrise | Southampton | 27.10.2026 | 29.10.2026 | 21.11.2026 |
Marine Insurance for Car Shipping to South Africa
We recommend marine cargo insurance for every vehicle shipped to South Africa. Cover protects against damage, loss, or unforeseen risks during transit, and matters most for higher-value vehicles where repair or replacement costs would be significant if anything went wrong along the way.
How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping to South Africa
Proper preparation reduces the risk of delays during inspection and loading.
Before your vehicle departs the UK, make sure to:
- Clean the vehicle thoroughly, inside and out
- Remove all personal belongings
- Leave the fuel tank below a quarter full for safety during transit
- Check that the vehicle is in full working order, since a non-running car may require container shipping rather than RoRo
- Keep spare keys ready to hand over at collection
- Have your documentation organised and easily accessible for customs officials and port staff
RESTRICTED ITEMS FOR CAR SHIPPING TO SOUTH AFRICA
Certain items cannot be left inside the vehicle when arranging car shipping to South Africa.
Restricted items include:
- Flammable liquids
- Hazardous materials or chemicals
- Weapons or illegal items
- Undeclared household goods
Removing restricted items ensures compliance with international shipping safety regulations and smooth customs clearance in South Africa.
Why Choose Ascope Shipping?
Ascope Shipping has built a strong reputation for car shipping to South Africa from the UK. With thousands of vehicles successfully shipped worldwide, our customers rely on us for our professionalism, reliability, and transparent service.
- Proven Experience: 15+ years of experience in international vehicle shipping
- Safe & Secure: Fully insured shipping with professional loading and lashing
- Transparent Pricing: Competitive costs with no hidden charges
- Customer Confidence: Highly rated on Trustpilot and Google My Business
- Global Reach: Weekly RoRo and container shipments from UK ports to Durban, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth
We also ship vehicles to other international destinations, including car shipping to Australia and car shipping to Nigeria, making us a trusted choice for international vehicle transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us for a Free Quotation
Start your car shipping from the UK to South Africa with confidence. Contact Ascope Shipping, the UK’s top-rated international car shipping company, for a free, no-obligation quotation. Our expert team will manage everything from booking and documentation to customs clearance, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely, on time, and at the best possible cost.
