Shipping Methods and Guidelines to Ship a Car to Mombasa

Whether you are relocating to Mombasa, Kenya or planning to stay there for a longer period, what can be thought for is - auto shipping services. Yes! You might have used the shipping services earlier as well. However, if you did not then, let me tell you about the auto shipping services.

First of all, it is important to know that Kenya is a RHD country that means, Right Hand Drive. Therefore, the vehicles that are shipped to Kenya should be RHD vehicles. However, exceptions can be considered if it is about some special types of vehicles such as construction vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances and a lot more.

When it comes to road worthiness then prior to the shipping process, all the vehicles should be inspected by JEVIC or QISJ. It can also be taken care by Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). Additionally, only those vehicles that are manufactured in 2007 and onwards are allowed to be shipped in Kenya. So, these are actually the guidelines that should be followed seriously.  

If you are a resident of Kenya and wish to return then you can ship your auto to Kenya and that too, without any duty. But for this, some formalities need to be done. For example: Your age should be at least 18 years and you should register your auto on your name at least 1 year prior to shipment. Moreover, make sure that you ship your auto within 90days of your arrival in Kenya.

In addition to all these, some of the documents that are must for car shipping to Mombasa, Kenya are given below:

•    Bill of Lading
•    Kenya Review Authority (KRA) Pin Card
•    Original passport
•    Pre-Inspection Certificate
•    Vehicle log book

Depending upon the shipping company, you will be offered with the given shipping methods and that are:

•  RORO: Known as Roll-on/Roll-off, this is a kind of shipping method in which the vehicles that are needed to be shipped put in the RORO ships. Actually, the shipping vehicles put under the deck of the ships thus, the vehicles remain safe and secure from the external or whether factors.

•  Container shipping: In the shipping method, the shipping vehicles are loaded inside the big containers that can vary from 20 foot to 40 foot. The containers can have open top and thus, vehicles may not get full protection from the external factors.

So, you can choose any of the shipping methods as per the need and availability. Moreover, ask the shipping vendor or the agent about the expected time so that, you will be available on the port to get your auto. If you are not able to be on the port then, ask the shipping vendor to clear your auto from the auto and for this, give the required documents to the vendor in advance.