Shipping Cars To Saudi Arabia In 2025: Costs, Rules & Documents

November 13, 2025 at 10:24 AM

Bringing a car to Saudi Arabia in 2025 is a straightforward process—if you have the most up-to-date, regionally accurate regulatory and price information. Current rules and fee schedules should always be checked directly at the ZATCA Rules and Regulations Portal (search “Vehicle Import Guide” for the latest document) and SASO/SABER.

How to Save Money When Shipping a Car to Saudi Arabia

Recent WCS quotes show shared container shipping from New York to Dammam for standard sedans can start around $2,500 (33–43 days). Actual rates will vary by vehicle, timing, and market conditions—always request current quotes before committing.

Select high-frequency ports like Dammam for the lowest base cost and more predictable timelines.
Take advantage of consolidation, and double-check for quota eligibility, especially if using a GCC citizen’s import allowance (usually two vehicles per year, but subject to revision).
For the up-to-date regulatory text, always consult ZATCA’s rules section.

Looking to cut costs on your shipment? Check out our guide on how to save money when shipping a car to Saudi Arabia for real-world rate examples, timing strategies, and paperwork tips.

Saudi Arabia’s 5-Year Rule Explained: What Vehicles Are Eligible in 2025?

Per ZATCA (as of June 2025; use the portal above for current guides):

Passenger vehicles, SUVs, and light trucks (<3.5 tons): Must be manufactured within five years before import.
Heavy trucks and commercial vehicles: Also fall under the 5-year window from January 1st of build year.
Classic/antique (30+) vehicles: Import permitted subject to inspection and customs assessment; they are not automatically duty-free and are subject to review at clearance.

Curious if your car qualifies? Check out our full 2025 guide to Saudi Arabia’s 5‑Year Rule.

Duty Table (as of June 2025)

Vehicle Type	Duty Rate (Typical)	Notes
Passenger cars/SUVs	5% of value	Standard for most personal vehicles
Pickups/Commercial SUVs	Up to 15%	Based on importer experience, these are often classified as commercial vehicles at a higher rate, but ZATCA does not publish a detailed public matrix—classification is confirmed at clearance.
Classic/antique (30+)	Discretionary	Allowed, but duty application is not fixed; confirm case-by-case
Caveat: Duty rates are subject to change and confirmed at Saudi customs clearance. Check the main ZATCA rules page for updates.

Required Documents to Ship a Car to Saudi Arabia (2025 Checklist)

U.S. title, bill of sale, export declaration, shipper documentation.
SASO Certificate of Conformity (SABER electronic submission, mandatory).
Valid ID (Saudi Iqama/National ID, GCC national proof, or passport for non-residents).
Customs payment documentation, duty receipts, full inspection approval for receiving port.
Always reference SASO/SABER for live rules as 2025 updates are frequent.

Want to make sure you have every required document? Check out our full 2025 checklist for shipping a car to Saudi Arabia.

RoRo vs Container

RoRo

Typically used for oversized or inoperable vehicles that can’t fit inside a container. Rates generally range from $900–$2,000 for standard, running sedans (recent routes), but availability and costs vary by port and season. Not always the most economical choice compared to consolidated container shipping.

Container

Example: $2,500 (shared, NY–Dammam, 33–43 days) — rates may fluctuate ±20% depending on port, season, and market. Offers better protection, flexible scheduling, and the ability to consolidate multiple vehicles, often resulting in lower total costs per car.

Not sure whether container or RoRo is right for your vehicle? See our 2025 cost and safety breakdown for shipping to Saudi Arabia.

Cost Example Table (Sample Scenario; Expect Variation)

Cost Element	Estimate (Example Only)	Caveats
Container (NY–Dammam)	~$2,500	Actual costs may vary (±20%) based on timing/market
In-KSA delivery	$250–$700	Depends on city/distance, season
Duty (by classification)	5–15%	Passenger: usually 5%; pickup/commercial: up to 15%
VAT	15%	On CIF; universal
SASO/SABER	$400	2025 portal price
Local registration/plates	$80–$350+	In Riyadh: Plate subscription SAR 200–600+; fees change by type, engine, emissions. Always verify at the city plate office or through a Riyadh-based agent as rates change frequently.
Misc./destination fees	$800–$1,500	Port paperwork, offloading, storage potential
Total (as example)	$29,200–$34,800	Expect possible ±20% variation by value/city/season

Local registration, plate, and inspection fees can change based on plate type (private/commercial), engine size, emission class, and annual city-level/insurance updates. Confirm everything locally before import.

U.S. to GCC Spec Conversion

Many U.S. vehicles will need certification work (emissions, lamps, cooling, etc.), and costs vary widely ($500–$2,000 or more) depending on make/model/year/SASO requirements.

For All Official Rules, Always Use:

ZATCA Rules & Regulations, June 2025 (search for “Vehicle Import Guide”)
SASO/SABER Saudi portal

City registration, tax, and compliance standards may change without notice. Use a qualified agent or check directly with your receiving city’s licensing/plate authority for the latest costs before shipment.

Ready to Ship Your Car to Saudi Arabia?

Now that you know the 2025 rules, fees, and documentation, you’re ready to ship your car to Saudi Arabia with West Coast Shipping. Get a fast quote today and move your vehicle safely, efficiently, and fully compliant with Saudi import standards.