🇧🇸

Export Cars
to Bahamas

UK Car Export provides professional vehicle export services to Bahamas for private buyers, trade customers and dealerships. We manage the complete process from vehicle sourcing and documentation through to international shipping and delivery support.

Request Export Quote

Exporting to Bahamas

The Bahamas is an accessible Caribbean market with no strict vehicle age limits. Right-hand drive vehicles from the UK are accepted and import duties are levied on CIF value.

UK Car Source manages vehicle exports to the Bahamas including sourcing, documentation preparation and sea freight coordination.

Import Rules

Drive ConfigurationRight-hand drive accepted and commonly used.
Vehicle Age LimitNo strict national age limit, however newer vehicles attract lower duty.
ConditionClean and roadworthy condition required.
Customs AuthorityBahamas Customs Department
Duty & VATImport duty calculated on CIF value. Rates vary by engine size and vehicle type.
StandardsUK-specification vehicles accepted.

Import regulations are subject to change. We recommend confirming current requirements with the relevant customs authority prior to shipment.

Major Ports

Nassau — Primary port for vehicle imports. Well connected to major shipping routes.
Freeport — Secondary import hub on Grand Bahama Island.

Shipping Options

RoRo Shipping

Roll-on Roll-off service. Cost-effective for most passenger vehicles and SUVs.

Container Shipping

Dedicated or shared container. Recommended for prestige and high-value vehicles.

Air Freight

Available on special request for time-critical or ultra-high-value shipments.

Caribbean / Regional Hub

Many island shipments route via regional transshipment hubs for cost efficiency.

Required Documentation

UK V5C Registration Certificate (original)
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Certificate of Origin (where required)
Insurance Certificate
Import Permit / Customs Entry Form (at destination)
Copy of buyer's passport / identification

Estimated Timelines

1

Vehicle Sourcing & Preparation

1–3 weeks depending on specification and availability

2

Documentation & Export Clearance

3–7 working days

3

Sea Freight Transit

14–20 days sea freight

4

Customs Clearance at Destination

3–10 working days depending on port and documentation

5

Total Estimated Process

6–10 weeks from order to delivery (subject to availability and customs)

Import Tax Breakdown

Import Tariff (vehicles up to USD 10,000)45% on CIF value
Import Tariff (vehicles over USD 10,000)65% on CIF value
VAT10%
Processing FeeBSD 5 per vehicle
Age RestrictionNo formal age restriction — one of few Caribbean nations without one
NoteNo personal income tax in the Bahamas — high net-worth residents dominate the top segment
Customs AuthorityBahamas Customs and Excise Department

Tax rates are indicative and subject to change. Verify with local customs authority before shipping.

Port Guide

Nassau (Port of Nassau / Prince George Wharf) handles most vehicle imports for New Providence. Freeport Container Port on Grand Bahama serves the Freeport Free Trade Zone, which has lower tariff rates — some buyers specifically route vehicles through Freeport to benefit from this. Sea transit from UK is 14–16 days. Container shipping is the standard method. Clearance at Nassau typically takes 5–10 working days.

A customs broker is strongly recommended. Family Island deliveries require an additional inter-island ferry leg after clearance at Nassau or Freeport.

Local Market Advice

The Bahamas attracts some of the wealthiest private residents in the Caribbean. Nassau's Lyford Cay and Old Fort Bay communities are home to significant high-net-worth individuals. Ultra-luxury vehicle demand is genuine — Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Lamborghini, Ferrari and McLaren all have buyers in the Bahamas. UK-sourced prestige vehicles are valued for their condition, provenance and UK specification.

The 65% import tariff on high-value vehicles is significant but wealthy buyers accept this cost. No personal income tax makes the Bahamas a popular domicile for the very wealthy. Both LHD and RHD are present — the Bahamas officially drives on the left but has a mix due to US influence. Always confirm drive configuration with the buyer before sourcing.

Export a Vehicle to Bahamas

Contact our export team today. We handle sourcing, documentation, shipping and logistics — so you don't have to.