
Move Your Car To Or From Sri Lanka
Typical Shipping Prices – How Much Does It Cost?
- Most cars shipped from the U.S. to Sri Lanka cost $2,100 to $5,900 to transport, and since it's an island nation, most are transported in a shipping container.
- Smaller vehicles with less shipping weight tend to cost less than larger ones.
Est
Estimated Cost & Time For Delivery
To/From | Ground | Ocean | Days |
---|---|---|---|
New York, NY to Colombo | $275 | $3,200 | 5+36 |
Los Angeles to City Limits | $350 | $2,000 | 5+39 |
Boston, MA to Local Area | $400 | $3,200 | 5+36 |
Local Delivery to Las Vegas, NV | $450 | $2,000 | 5+39 |
Seattle, WA, to Colombo | $550 | $2,000 | 6+39 |
Detroit, MI, to Colombo | $575 | $3,200 | 6+36 |
Local Area to Chicago, IL | $675 | $3,200 | 6+36 |
City Limits to Denver, CO | $775 | $2,000 | 7+39 |
Memphis, TN to Colombo | $800 | $3,200 | 6+36 |
City Limits to Dallas, TX | $1,025 | $2,000 | 7+39 |

- Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
- Save on ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
- Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
- Prices are for one car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
- The RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive, and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.
When deciding to ship your vehicle to another country, it is best to do some research beforehand and seek the help of a reputable auto transport company. There are a variety of scenarios in which you may need to import your vehicle, but the most common situation would be for personal use by a non-national resident.
Popular Delivery Destinations

Vehicle Moving Guidelines
- Applicant should have at least a 6-month resident visa in Sri Lanka.
- The vehicle should be used only by the license holder and his/her family.
- The vehicle must be 3.5 years old or newer.
- When the vehicle owner leaves the country, the vehicle must be exported at that time.
- The vehicle should be right-hand driven.
- Importation of a single vehicle by any one person MUST be limited to one occurrence every 5 years.

Required Documents
- Passport (and copy)
- Documents showing the period of stay in Sri Lanka (including arrival and departure and reason for the stay
- Vehicle Registration.
- Visa Details.
- Driver’s License.
- Registration or certificate of title.
- Purchase invoice. As with any import into a foreign country, the vehicle will be subject to customs taxes and fees upon arrival. To understand the current duty fees associated with this transaction, you are recommended to contact the Sri Lanka Customs Department directly.
Click here to learn more about the vehicle registration process in Sri Lanka.

How to Import a Vehicle to Sri Lanka: A Complete Guide on Sending a Car from the UK
When it comes to importing a car to Sri Lanka, the process involves several steps to ensure everything goes smoothly. First and foremost, it's essential to verify the vehicle's eligibility. Sri Lanka has specific rules regarding the age of cars and emission standards. Typically, cars should not be older than three years, so make sure the vehicle you're planning to import meets these requirements. Once you've confirmed that the vehicle qualifies, the next step is to gather the necessary documents. These include the vehicle's original title, purchase invoice, passport copy, and proof of ownership.
Next, you'll need to pay the import duties and taxes, which can vary based on the type and value of the vehicle. Be aware that Sri Lanka imposes relatively high taxes on imported cars, so it's important to factor this into your planning. Two main shipping options are RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) or container shipping. RoRo is a more economical choice, but container shipping provides additional protection for your car. Once the vehicle arrives at the port, it’s time for customs clearance. You must submit all the required documents and pay any outstanding fees before your car can be released.
If you’re looking to send a car from the UK to Sri Lanka, the process is somewhat similar. The key step is to decide on the shipping method. As with importing a car to Sri Lanka, you can choose between RoRo or container shipping. If you aim to save on shipping costs, RoRo is a solid choice. However, container shipping will offer more protection for your vehicle, especially if it's a luxury car or something you want to keep in pristine condition during transit. Before shipping, you must prepare your vehicle by cleaning it thoroughly and removing any personal items. Some shipping companies may also require you to disconnect the battery or drain certain fluids.
Once your car is ready to ship, you must ensure all your documentation is in order. This includes things like proof of ownership, identification, and the export declaration from the UK. Just like when importing a car from any other location to Sri Lanka, you’ll have to pay import duties and taxes upon arrival. Sri Lanka’s import taxes can be high, so make sure you clearly understand what to expect financially. After the car clears customs, you can arrange delivery to your destination in Sri Lanka.
Working with a professional shipping company can make this process smoother. They’ll guide you through the paperwork and ensure that the car arrives safely and in compliance with all regulations. Whether you’re shipping to Sri Lanka from the UK or elsewhere, following these steps will help ensure that your experience with importing a car to Sri Lanka goes as smoothly as possible.

How We Carry Out International Transports
We offer a few diverse delivery strategies to individuals who wish to transport equipment or oversized cargo to another country. These techniques are totally protected strategies for anyone in need of overseas moving services, yet what is accessible to you will depend on the kind of cargo you're transporting. For more information regarding our overseas administrations, we decided to give you insight into each of our moving methods.
- Container Transport
- Flat Rack Shipping
- Roll On/Roll Off Shipping
- Lift On/Lift Off Shipping
If your heavy equipment can slide safely into a 40ft shipping container, then you should be able to use this enclosed transport method for your cargo delivery to Sri Lanka. The roll-on/roll-off shipping method is the cheapest open-air transport service we offer, yet it requires your vehicle or equipment to drive onto and off of the ship using a ramp. Flat rack shipping secures your cargo to a metal frame before it’s placed on the boat, while lift-on/lift-off shipping is mainly recommended for crated cargo and those with inoperable vehicles.

Relevant Statistics
- More than 10,000 cars are imported through shipping annually.
- Approximately 90% of the imported cars are used vehicles.
- The average cost of sending a car is around $1,500.
- Over 80% of the cars imported to Sri Lanka come from Japan.
General Facts
- Moving a car typically includes documentation, customs clearance, and arranging transportation.
- It is critical to comply with the import regulations and requirements of Sri Lanka's customs authorities.
- Moving methods can vary, including container shipping or roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping for vehicles.
- Costs associated with shipping a car to Sri Lanka can include shipping fees, import duties, taxes, and any additional services required during the process.
Other Services
- Overseas Moving Services to Sri Lanka
