Contact Us

Import Cars from the UK and Japan to Seychelles

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

We specialise in sourcing and exporting quality vehicles from the UK and Japan directly to Seychelles. Whether you need a prestige car or a reliable used vehicle, we handle every step of the import process, from sourcing and inspection to shipping and documentation.

Our UK & Japan Car Export Service for Seychelles – Step by Step

Car Sourcing & Selection

We source vehicles across UK and Japanese 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, Aston Martin, Tesla, BMW, Jaguar, Audi, and more.

VAT Reclaim Service (UK Cars)

Save 20% with our VAT reclaim service. We source VAT-qualifying cars and reclaim VAT as part of our export service. This is the single biggest saving you can make when importing a UK car to Seychelles.

Whether you've found a car yourself or we've sourced one for you, we're committed to saving you the UK VAT and keeping the process simple.

Expert Car Sourcing & Inspection

  • Mileage verification and HPI background checks
  • Purchasing, inspections, and collection by our team
  • Customising, tuning, and modifications available
  • Paintwork reconditioning (if required)

Car Shipping to Seychelles

At UK Roadrunner, we provide a fully managed UK & Japan to Seychelles car shipping service via Port Victoria, ensuring your vehicle is exported safely, professionally, and in full compliance with Seychelles import requirements. We provide both ro-ro and container shipping methods.

Car Documentation & Clearance

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

UK & Japan to Seychelles Car Import – What You Need to Know

Overview: Vehicle Import Regulations

Seychelles permits vehicle imports from the UK, Japan, and other countries but has specific age and condition restrictions. All vehicles must be right-hand drive, and an import permit is mandatory before importation.

Key Requirements:

  1. Import permit: Mandatory before importation
  2. Age restriction: Maximum 3 years old (some exceptions for new vehicles) Age determined from manufacturing date to arrival date in Seychelles.
  3. Right-hand drive: All vehicles must be RHD
  4. Passenger vehicles only: Vehicles must be for passenger transport
  5. No pre-export inspection: Not mandatory (unlike some countries)
  6. One vehicle per person: Returning residents limited to single vehicle import

Seychelles Car Import Regulations & Requirements

New Vehicle Definition:

  • Motor vehicle never having had title issued
  • Owned only by manufacturer, authorised dealer, or authorised subsidiaries
  • Manufactured in current year of importation or 12 months prior to application date

Right-Hand Drive Requirement:

  • All vehicles: Must be right-hand drive (RHD)
  • Left-hand drive: Not permitted for import
  • No exceptions: Strict RHD requirement for all vehicle types

Vehicle Purpose Restriction:

  • Passenger use only: Vehicles must be for passenger transport
  • HS Code 8703 or 8711: Vehicle must fall under these trade classifications
  • Not permitted: Vehicles for commercial, business, or public transport
  • Personal use only: Work vehicles, family outings, personal transport acceptable

Vehicle Dimension Restrictions:

  • Length: Maximum 7 metres
  • Width: Maximum 2.3 metres
  • Height: Maximum 2.9 metres
  • Oversized vehicles: Require special approval from Director General of Land Transport (where justified)

Prohibited Vehicle Types:

  • Fork-lift trucks
  • Cranes and derricks
  • Bulldozers, graders, excavators, scrapers, shovels
  • Vehicle chassis bodies and cabs
  • Spark-ignition piston engines (loose)
  • Compression piston engines (diesel/semi-diesel) (loose)
  • Nose cuts, front cuts, rear cuts

Documents Required for Seychelles Car Import

For Import Permit Application (Personal Import):

  • Pro-forma invoice: Detailed motor vehicle specifications including:
    • Year of manufacture
    • Make, model, brand, fuel type
    • Engine capacity (without rounding)
    • Engine number/serial number/motor number
    • Chassis number (17-digit VIN) or decoded VIN stamped by manufacturer
    • For pick-ups: Size, dimension, laden weight
  • Valid National Identity Card (NIN)
  • Letter of justification: Addressed to Director General of Land Transport

For Import Permit Application (Commercial Import):

  • Pro-forma invoice: Same specifications as personal import
  • Business Registration Certificate
  • Tax Identification Number Certificate (TIN)
  • Valid Business License
  • Letter of justification: Addressed to Director General of Land Transport

For Customs Clearance at Arrival:

  • Bill of entry: In duplicate
  • Invoice/Receipts: From seller
  • Bill of Lading: Original shipping document
  • Packing List: List of goods in cargo
  • Passport copy: Most recent entry in Seychelles
  • Passport copy: Exit 12+ months prior to Seychelles
  • Import permit: Approved from Department of Land Transport
  • Proof of ownership: Purchase receipt or bill of sale
  • Driving license copy: Applicant's driving license
  • Pro-forma invoice: Original from exporter with all details

For Returning Residents (Additional Documents):

  • Educational certification: Letter from institution for graduates
  • Proof of study period: Minimum 9 months abroad for education
  • Residence documentation: Proof of return to Seychelles
  • Ministry authorization: For 9+ month study period recognition (if applicable)

For Customs Valuation:

  • Original invoice: From supplier showing:
    • Condition of sale
    • Supplier's name
    • Buyer's name
    • Price paid or payable
    • Terms of delivery (CIF, FOB, C&F)
    • Full vehicle description (type, model, engine/VIN, colour, engine size, weight)
  • Bill of Sight: For verification of information
  • Customs entry: Completed entry form
  • Bill of Lading: Original from shipper/carrier
  • Insurance certificate: If applicable

Import Permit Application Process

The vehicle import permit process in Seychelles begins by determining whether the application is for a personal or commercial import. The applicant must prepare the required documents — including a pro-forma invoice with full vehicle specifications, identification or business registration documents, tax certificates (for companies), and a justification letter addressed to the Director General.

Applications are submitted online via the government e-service portal or through a registered clearing agent to the Import and Export Permit Unit (IPU) under the Trade Department. The Department of Land Transport then assesses the application in line with road transport policy and verifies the vehicle details and applicant eligibility. If approved (typically within 5–10 working days), an official import permit is issued, allowing the vehicle to be shipped and presented to customs upon arrival at the Port of Victoria.

Returning Residents & Graduates Exemptions

Eligibility Criteria:

Returning Residents:

  • Seychelles citizen absent for continuous 2+ years
  • Returning to take up permanent residence
  • Must be 18 years or older

Returning Graduates:

  • Seychelles citizen studying abroad
  • Studied at education institution recognized by Ministry of Education
  • Minimum 9 months study period
  • Must be 18 years or older

Vehicle Import Restrictions (Returning Residents/Graduates):

  • One vehicle only: Single vehicle per person lifetime
  • Never again: Cannot import another vehicle if moves abroad again
  • Passenger use only: Vehicle must be for passenger transport
  • 3-year age limit: Vehicle must not exceed 3 years old
  • Right-hand drive: Must have RHD steering
  • HS Code 8703 or 8711: Must fall under these classifications
  • Import within 6 months: Vehicle must arrive within 6 months of residency taking effect

2-Year Ownership Restriction:

  • Cannot sell or transfer vehicle for 2 years after registration with Seychelles License Authority (SLA)
  • Vehicle must be retained for minimum 2-year period
  • Sale/transfer prohibited during 2-year lock-in period

Tax Implications:

  • No concessions: No tax concessions given on returning resident vehicles
  • Full duties: All applicable import duties payable
  • Trade tax: Full trade tax applies
  • Excise tax: Full excise tax applies
  • GST: Full goods and services tax applies
  • Levies: All applicable levies payable

Seychelles Customs Clearance Process

The customs clearance process begins when the vehicle arrives at the Port of Victoria, the only discharge port, where it is held pending customs processing and the clearing agent is notified. It is strongly recommended to appoint a licensed clearing agent to coordinate clearance, manage documentation, and arrange duty payments.

The required documents — including the original supplier invoice, Bill of Lading, approved import permit, proof of ownership, customs entry, and supporting paperwork — are submitted to the Customs Valuation Section for assessment. Customs will review the declared transaction value and may request additional proof of payment or pricing evidence if necessary. Once the value is determined and all applicable duties and taxes are paid, customs formally approves and releases the vehicle, making it ready for collection from the port.

Vehicle Registration for Imported Cars in Seychelles

Seychelles License Authority (SLA):

  • Vehicle must be registered with SLA
  • Registration follows customs clearance
  • Seychelles License Authority issues registration

Registration Requirements:

  • Customs release documentation
  • Import permit
  • Bill of Lading
  • Proof of ownership
  • Valid driving license copy
  • Passport copy
  • Registration fee payment

2-Year Sale Restriction Enforcement:

  • SLA registers vehicle with 2-year sale restriction flag
  • Ownership cannot be transferred within 2 years
  • Sale of vehicle prohibited during restriction period
  • Restriction lifted after 2 years from registration date

Useful Resources

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

Seychelles Government Agencies:

Online Resources:

Ready to Import Your Car from the UK or Japan to Seychelles?

We specialise in sourcing, exporting, and shipping high-quality vehicles directly from the UK and Japan to Seychelles via Port Victoria. Contact UK Roadrunner today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our expert team will answer your questions about vehicle sourcing from the UK and Japan and the Seychelles and import regulations and requirements

Get your free quote today and start your car import journey with UK Roadrunner. We'll provide one clear price with no hidden costs and handle all aspects of getting your perfect car to Seychelles.