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Import Cars from the UK to the Cayman Islands

Your expert partner for sourcing and shipping cars and 4x4s directly to George Town. We provide a seamless, all-inclusive service from start to finish.

We specialise in sourcing and exporting quality vehicles from the UK directly to George Town Port. Whether you need a brand-new luxury car or a reliable used vehicle, we handle every step of the import process, from sourcing and inspection to shipping and documentation.

Our UK Car Export Service for the Cayman Islands – Step by Step

Car Sourcing & Selection

We source vehicles across UK trade networks to find your perfect car at the best price. If you have a specific model in mind or need recommendations, our specialists find cars matching your exact specifications—all prestige brands are available, including Mercedes, Range Rover, Porsche, Bentley, McLaren, Tesla, BMW, Jaguar and more.

VAT Reclaim Service

Save 20% with our VAT reclaim service. We source VAT-qualifying cars and reclaim VAT as part of our export service.

Vehicle Inspection & Preparation

  • Mileage verification and HPI background checks
  • Full mechanical inspection
  • Paintwork reconditioning (if required)
  • Customisation, tuning, and modifications available

Car Shipping to George Town, Cayman Islands

At UK Roadrunner, we provide a fully managed UK to Cayman Islands car shipping service, ensuring your vehicle is exported safely, professionally, and in full compliance with Cayman Islands' import requirements. Our service includes complete shipping booking management, secure inland transport to the UK departure port, and container shipping to George Town, depending on your vehicle type and protection requirements. We have weekly sailings from the UK with a transit time of 26 days to the Cayman Islands.

Car Documentation & Clearance

We courier all original vehicle documents and high-value loose items via DHL to support smooth customs clearance in George Town. We send all required documents to your address or the clearing agent.

UK to Cayman Islands Car Import – What You Need to Know

Overview: Vehicle Requirements & Restrictions

The Cayman Islands has specific requirements for imported vehicles to ensure safety and road compliance. Before importing your car, it's essential to understand these regulations.

Right-Hand Drive Requirement:

All vehicles imported to the Cayman Islands must be right-hand drive with the passenger door opening on the left-hand side of the vehicle.

Vehicle Restrictions:

The following vehicles are not permitted for importation:

  • Double-decker buses or omnibuses
  • Motorcycles in combination with a sidecar (sidecars cannot be imported)
  • 'Moke', 'mini-moke', beach buggy, or dune buggy vehicles (without specific permission from the Governor)
  • Vehicles constructed for the carriage of more than nine persons excluding the driver (requires permission from the Governor or Public Transportation Board)

Exemptions for Special Vehicles:

Special exemptions apply for agricultural, construction, maintenance, or engineering vehicles older than 8 years. Classic and antique vehicles are also permitted for importation with no restrictions.

Cayman Islands Car Import Regulations & Requirements

Vehicle Age Restrictions:

As of 1 May 2023, the Cayman Islands government implemented new import restrictions on vehicle age to improve road safety and manage traffic congestion. The age limit was set to 8 years, with exceptions for special vehicles, classic, and antique vehicles.

No Mandatory Inspection Required:

There are no mandatory pre-export inspections required for vehicles being imported to the Cayman Islands.

Documents Required for Cayman Islands Car Import

Essential Import Documents:

  • Original Bill of Lading
  • Certificate of Title and Registration
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Proof of Insurance
  • MOT Certificate (UK roadworthiness certificate)
  • Driver's Licence and International Green Card (insurance document)
  • HPI Certificate
  • Original Export Certificate

For Customs Entry:

  • Customs Import Entry form (must be submitted within 7 days of arrival)
  • Invoiced Cost of the vehicle (converted to CI dollars at the current exchange rate on the arrival date)
  • Country of Origin documentation
  • Freight charges documentation

Submitting Your Entry:

Your customs entry must be signed by you (the importer) or by an authorised agent. We recommend using a licensed clearing agent to assist with the customs process, as it can be lengthy and complex. The entry must be submitted within 7 days of your vehicle's arrival in George Town.

Cayman Islands Car Import Duties & Taxes

Duty Rates Based on CIF Value:

The duty payable on imported vehicles depends on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value of your vehicle:

  • Up to $12,000 CIF (used cars only): 29.5% duty + $1,000 environmental fee + $250 waste handling fee
  • Up to $20,000 CIF value: 29.5% duty
  • $20,001 to $25,000 CIF value: 32% duty
  • $25,001 to $30,000 CIF value: 37% duty
  • Over $30,000 CIF value: 42% duty

Environmental Disposal Fee:

All vehicle imports are subject to a one-time Environmental Disposal Fee, which ranges from $250 to $1,250 depending on the vehicle's CIF value.

Port Charges:

Port charges apply based on the weight of your vehicle. These are separate from customs duty and environmental fees.

Value for Duty Calculation:

The value for duty purposes includes the cost of the vehicle, insurance, and freight at the time of entry. This must represent an "open market" price—the price the vehicle would fetch in a sale between independent buyers and sellers. All relevant invoices and bills of lading must be submitted with your customs entry.

Custom Clearance Process for Cayman Islands

Step 1: Freight & Bill of Lading

After your vehicle arrives, you must pay freight charges and collect the Bill of Lading from the shipping company.

Step 2: Customs Import Entry

You must submit a Customs Import Entry form with supplier invoices within 7 days of arrival. This allows Customs to verify the duty owed on your vehicle.

Step 3: Duty Payment

Calculate and pay all applicable duties and fees. Once payment is complete, you are eligible to collect your vehicle from the Port Authority warehouse.

Step 4: Vehicle Collection

Your vehicle can be collected from the Port Authority warehouse after all fees are paid and clearance is complete.

Step 5: Registration & Insurance

A customs broker is recommended to assist with clearance. We can provide contact information for licensed clearing agents in the Cayman Islands. You must arrange vehicle insurance and register your car with the Department of Vehicle and Driver Licensing (DVDL) before driving on island roads.

Residency Exemption for New Residents

First-Time Residents:

If you are taking up residency in the Cayman Islands for the first time, you may import your used car duty-free, provided you do so before or within six months of residing in the Cayman Islands.

Requirements for Exemption:

  • The vehicle must have been in genuine use and ownership abroad for not less than six months
  • You must complete a Declaration for Unaccompanied Baggage form (in addition to the Customs Import Entry form)
  • You must provide proof of residency via a work permit or other official documentation

Importing from Japan

We also offer car sourcing and shipping from Japan to the Cayman Islands for those seeking specific Japanese vehicle models. Japan offers an excellent selection of reliable, high-quality vehicles, particularly popular Japanese brands such as Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Nissan, and Mazda. The shipping transit time from Japan to the Cayman Islands typically ranges from 29-36 days via RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping, with monthly vessel schedules available.

Japanese vehicles imported to the Cayman Islands are subject to the same import restrictions, age limitations, and duty rates as UK vehicles. All vehicles must be right-hand drive with

left-opening passenger doors. The import process, customs clearance, and documentation requirements remain identical regardless of the vehicle's country of origin.

If you are interested in sourcing a specific vehicle from Japan, our specialists can assist with sourcing, inspection, and arranging shipping to the Cayman Islands. Contact us to discuss Japanese vehicle options and pricing.

Useful Resources

For the most up-to-date information on Cayman Islands car import regulations, taxes, and procedures, consult these official sources:

Cayman Islands Government Agencies:

Ready to Import Your Car from the UK to the Cayman Islands?

We specialise in sourcing, exporting, and shipping high-quality new and used vehicles directly from the UK to the Cayman Islands via George Town. Contact UK Roadrunner today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our expert team will answer your questions about:

  • Vehicle sourcing and pricing
  • Cayman Islands import regulations and age restrictions
  • Import duties and VAT savings
  • Right-hand drive vehicle requirements
  • Shipping timeline and insurance options
  • Clearing agent recommendations
  • Residency exemptions for new residents
  • Total cost breakdown
  • Japanese vehicle sourcing options

Get your free quote today and start your car import journey with UK Roadrunner.