UK to Caribbean Vehicle Shipping – Costs, Documentation and Transport Tips

Thinking about shipping your car, van, or 4×4 from the UK to the Caribbean? You are not alone. Every year, thousands of people across the UK arrange vehicle shipping to destinations like Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, Guyana, the Bahamas, and St Lucia, whether they are relocating, sending a car to family, or exporting a vehicle for resale. The process is more simple than most people expect, but only when you know what you are doing.

At Ascope Shipping, we have spent over 15 years helping individuals and businesses transport vehicles from the UK to destinations worldwide, including all major Caribbean islands.

Why People Ship Vehicles from the UK to the Caribbean

UK vehicles are genuinely popular across the Caribbean. Right-hand drive cars are well-suited to islands that drive on the left, including Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana. UK-spec vehicles are often newer, better maintained, and more affordable than locally available alternatives, which is why demand for UK to Caribbean vehicle shipping has grown steadily over the years.

People shipping vehicles to the Caribbean typically fall into one of three groups: those relocating permanently or semi-permanently, returning residents bringing back a personal car, and vehicle dealers or exporters moving stock. Each group has slightly different priorities around cost, timing, and documentation and a good shipping company will tailor advice to your specific situation.

Choosing the Right Shipping Method

One of the first decisions you need to make when arranging international car shipping UK to Caribbean is which shipping method suits your vehicle and budget.

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) Shipping

RoRo is the most cost-effective option for roadworthy vehicles. Your car is driven directly onto the vessel, secured to the deck, and driven off on arrival at the destination port. It is quick to arrange, widely available, and keeps costs down, making it the go-to choice for most standard vehicles heading to Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, and Guyana.

The trade-off is that your vehicle sits in the open air during transit. For standard cars in good condition, this is absolutely fine. For classic cars, high-value vehicles, or anything non-running, you will want to consider container shipping instead.

Container Shipping UK to Caribbean

Container shipping places your vehicle inside a sealed 20ft or 40ft steel container for the entire journey. This gives it full protection from salt air, humidity, and port handling. It is the right choice for luxury vehicles, non-runners, and classic cars and it also gives you the option to load household items or personal effects alongside the vehicle, which can save significant money if you are relocating.

At Ascope Shipping, we offer both door-to-port and port-to-port vehicle shipping to the Caribbean, with weekly sailings from UK ports including Southampton, Tilbury, and Liverpool.

Groupage (Shared Container) Shipping

If you want the protection of a container but want to share the cost, groupage shipping, also called LCL (less than container load), lets you pay only for the space your vehicle takes up. This is ideal for smaller vehicles or when shipping a car alongside a modest amount of personal belongings.

UK to Caribbean Vehicle Shipping Rates

UK to Caribbean vehicle shipping rates vary depending on your chosen method, your UK departure port, your destination island, and the size of your vehicle. Here is a realistic breakdown to help you plan:

• RoRo shipping to Jamaica (Kingston/Montego Bay): Cost starts from £900 to £1,200 for a standard saloon car
• RoRo shipping to Barbados (Bridgetown): Cost starts from £850 to £1,100
• RoRo shipping to Trinidad (Port of Spain): Cost starts from £950 to £1,300
• RoRo shipping to Guyana (Georgetown): Cost starts from £850 to £1,100
• Container shipping (20ft, sole use): Cost starts from £1,800 to £2,500 depending on destination

These are port-to-port shipping costs only. You should also budget separately for UK export documentation, destination port handling charges, customs clearance fees, customs duties and taxes at your chosen island, and marine cargo insurance.

Customs Duties and Import Rules — Island by Island

This is where Caribbean vehicle shipping gets genuinely complex, because every island operates its own import rules. Customs duties and taxes are not included in your shipping quote, they are paid separately at the destination port.

Most Caribbean islands apply import duties under the CARICOM Common External Tariff, but the rates and additional taxes differ significantly. Here is a practical overview of the most popular UK to Caribbean shipping destinations:

Jamaica: Cars must generally be no older than six years from the date of manufacture for private import (returning residents may qualify for a ten-year limit). You will need a Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC), an import licence obtained through JSWIFT (Jamaica’s online trade system), and a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC). Import duties are calculated on the CIF value, which is cost, insurance, and freight combined.

Barbados: Import duty on vehicles is applied based on engine size and vehicle value. Bridgetown is served with direct weekly sailings from the UK, making it one of the most accessible Caribbean destinations for vehicle shipping.

Trinidad and Tobago: Vehicles attract import duties of 15–20% of CIF value, plus 12.5% VAT, plus an environmental levy based on engine size and vehicle age. Port of Spain is the main gateway and is well connected to UK shipping routes.

Guyana: Georgetown port offers some of the fastest transit times from the UK among all Caribbean destinations. Right-hand drive vehicles are standard in Guyana, and demand for UK cars is strong. Import duties apply to the CIF value.

The Bahamas: Nassau and Freeport are the main ports. Environmental charges and a technical inspection are required for imported vehicles. The Bahamas is not a CARICOM member, but applies its own duty structure on vehicles.

St Lucia: Smaller islands like St Lucia are typically served via a transhipment route through Miami onto a feeder vessel, which adds to transit time. Returning nationals who have lived abroad for ten or more years may qualify for a 75% waiver on import duty, excise tax, and VAT.

One important thing to be aware of: if you are shipping during hurricane season (June to November), expect potential delays and possible cost fluctuations due to port congestion across the Caribbean. Build extra time into your schedule if you are planning a shipment between these months.

Documents Required for Vehicle Shipping to the Caribbean

Getting your paperwork right is non-negotiable. Missing or incorrect documents are the single biggest cause of delays and unexpected costs at Caribbean ports. Here is what you will typically need:

• UK V5C (vehicle registration document)
• Valid passport of the vehicle owner/importer
• Bill of Lading
• Purchase invoice
• Proof of insurance valid for international transit
• Import permit
• Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate 
• Proof of residency

Start collecting these documents four to six weeks before your intended sailing date. Your shipping coordinator at Ascope Shipping will provide you with a full document checklist specific to your destination island, because the requirements for shipping a car to Jamaica differ from those for shipping to Barbados or Trinidad.

Practical Transport Tips to Avoid Delays and Hidden Costs

Over 15 years of arranging UK to Caribbean vehicle shipping, we have seen the same avoidable mistakes come up again and again. Here is how to sidestep them:

Remove all personal belongings. For RoRo shipments, the vehicle must be completely empty. Leaving items inside can cause your vehicle to be held at customs or result in items being confiscated.

Reduce your fuel to a quarter tank. Shipping lines require this as a safety measure. Excess fuel may result in your vehicle being refused at the port.

Photograph everything before collection. Take detailed photos of all panels, the interior, and the odometer before your vehicle is collected. This protects you in the unlikely event of a damage claim.

Do not undervalue your vehicle on customs documents. Caribbean customs authorities calculate duties on the declared CIF value. Undervaluing your car to reduce duties is considered fraud and will delay clearance.

Book a reliable international vehicle shipping company. This matters more than most people realise. An inexperienced agent will not know the specific requirements of your destination island, and the consequences of delayed clearance, vehicles held in bonded warehouses, and unexpected costs fall on you. With Ascope Shipping, you get a dedicated shipping coordinator, full transparency on costs, and a team that knows Caribbean customs regulations inside out.

UK to Caribbean Vehicle Shipping Checklist

Before your vehicle is collected, run through these essentials:

• V5C document ready and complete
• DVLA notified of permanent export (if applicable)
• Vehicle fully cleaned inside and out
• Fuel reduced to quarter tank maximum
• All personal belongings removed
• Vehicle photographed from all angles
• Marine cargo insurance arranged
• Import permit obtained (Jamaica and relevant islands)
• Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate booked (Jamaica)
• Destination port and customs agent confirmed

How long does UK to Caribbean vehicle shipping take?

Transit times from the UK to the Caribbean range from 14 to 35 days depending on your destination. Direct sailings reach Barbados and Trinidad in around 14–20 days. Islands served by feeder vessels via Miami, such as St Lucia and St Kitts, typically take 25–35 days.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from the UK to the Caribbean?

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping is the most affordable option for roadworthy vehicles, with rates starting from around £850 for a standard saloon. If you are sending a vehicle alongside household goods, groupage container shipping can be cost-effective.

What documents do I need to ship a car from the UK to Jamaica?

For Jamaica specifically, you need your UK V5C, passport, Bill of Lading, purchase invoice, a Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC), an import licence via JSWIFT, and a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC). Missing any of these will result in your vehicle being held in a bonded warehouse at your expense.

Is marine cargo insurance necessary for Caribbean vehicle shipping?

Strongly recommended, yes. Marine cargo insurance protects your vehicle against loss, fire, water damage, and handling incidents during the entire voyage.

Ship Your Vehicle to the Caribbean with Ascope Shipping

Arranging UK to Caribbean vehicle shipping does not need to be complicated, but it does need to be done properly. From choosing the right method and route to handling your export documentation and advising on destination customs requirements, Ascope Shipping manages the whole process so you do not have to piece it together yourself.

With over 15 years of experience, weekly sailings from UK ports, and a team that genuinely understands the ins and outs of shipping vehicles to Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, Guyana, the Bahamas, St Lucia, and beyond. We are the reliable partner you need for international car shipping from the UK. Get your free, no-obligation quote today at the contract form or call us on 01482 228366.