Shipping a car from the UK to Karachi, Pakistan typically takes 24-35 days by container ship. Costs range from £1,500-£3,000 depending on vehicle size. Cars must clear Pakistani customs and pay import duties upon arrival at the Port of Karachi.
Transporting a vehicle from the United Kingdom to Karachi is a complex process that requires careful planning and professional car shipping services to ensure a smooth, stress-free move. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to successfully ship your car from the UK to Karachi.
What are the options for shipping a car to Karachi from the UK?
When it comes to shipping a car from the UK to Karachi, the primary method is container shipping. With container shipping, your vehicle is securely loaded into a private 20ft or shared 40ft shipping container and transported via cargo ship.
Typical transit time: 24-35 days
Estimated cost: £1,500-£3,000
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping, where vehicles are driven directly onto and off a ferry, is generally not available for UK to Karachi car shipping due to the route and distance.
What is the process for shipping a car from the UK to Karachi?
- Get a quote from a reputable international car transport company like ShipCars. Provide your vehicle details and desired shipping timeframe.
- Prepare your vehicle for shipping. This includes cleaning, documenting any existing damage, servicing, and removing personal belongings.
- Arrange transport of your vehicle to the port of departure (usually Southampton or Felixstowe in the UK).
- Your shipping provider will handle customs clearance and loading of your vehicle into the shipping container.
- Upon arrival at the Port of Karachi, your vehicle will need to clear customs and pay import duties (see below). Your car shipping company will guide you through this process.
- Once customs clearance is complete, you can collect your vehicle from the port or arrange onward transport to your final destination in Karachi.
What documents do I need to ship a car from the UK to Karachi?
To ship a car from the UK to Karachi, you will need:
- Passport
- Original vehicle title (V5C logbook)
- Bill of lading
- National Identity Card (CNIC) for Pakistani citizens or NICOP for Overseas Pakistanis
- Proof of employment or student status in the UK
- Original purchase invoice
- Goods Declaration Form
Gathering the necessary paperwork is a crucial step in the car shipping process. Work closely with your vehicle transport provider to ensure you have all the required documents to avoid delays or issues with Pakistani customs.
What are the customs duties and taxes for importing a car to Karachi?
When importing a vehicle into Pakistan via Karachi, you will need to pay:
- Customs duty: ranges from 50% to 150% of the CIF (cost, and freight) value, depending on engine size
- Sales tax: 17% of the CIF value plus the assessed customs duty
- Income tax: up to 6% of the CIF value
- Advance income tax: 1% of the CIF value
Import duties and taxes are calculated based on the vehicle’s CIF value, engine size, and specifications. Consult Pakistani Customs for the most current rates prior to shipping your car.
Are there any restrictions on importing vehicles into Karachi?
Pakistan has specific regulations for importing vehicles:
- Vehicles must be right-hand drive
- Vehicles must be Euro II compliant or newer
- The vehicle must not be older than 5 years
- The engine capacity must not exceed 1800cc
Check with your vehicle shipping provider and Pakistani Customs for any additional restrictions or requirements before transporting your car.
How long does it take to ship a car from the UK to Karachi?
Transit times for shipping a vehicle from the UK to Karachi by container are typically 24-35 days. However, this can vary based on weather conditions, ship schedules, and customs processing times at the Port of Karachi.
Please note that these are port-to-port transit times. Allow additional time for UK transport, customs clearance, and onward transport to your final destination in Karachi.
How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Karachi?
Costs for shipping a car from the UK to Karachi range from £1,500-£3,000 depending on factors such as:
- Vehicle size and weight
- Shipping service (sole-use or shared container)
- Time of year
For the most accurate pricing, request a custom quote from Ship Cars Ltd based on your specific vehicle and requirements.

