How to Import a Car from USA to Dubai – Complete Guide 2025
Importing a car from the USA to Dubai is a smart way to get better prices, rare models, and higher-spec vehicles that are not available in the GCC market. Whether you’re looking for a muscle car, luxury SUV, electric vehicle, or a collector’s edition, the United States offers a wide selection and transparent buying options.
However, the import process involves several steps — choosing the right car, arranging transport, clearing customs, and getting RTA approval. This guide walks you through the entire journey from purchase to final registration in Dubai.
Table of Contents
Why People in Dubai Import Cars from the USA
Affordable Prices:
Cars in the United States are usually cheaper, especially when purchased through auctions like Copart, IAAI, and Manheim.
Better Options & Trims:
Models such as Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang, Tesla, Corvette, F-150, and Challenger come with premium USA specs.
Transparent History:
Thanks to CARFAX and AutoCheck, buyers can easily verify the accident history, mileage, and ownership.
High Resale Value in UAE:
USA-spec cars often attract enthusiasts and resell quickly if in good condition.
Shipping Time from USA to Dubai
Approximate transit times vary by port:
- East Coast to Dubai: 35–45 days
- West Coast to Dubai: 45–60 days
- Gulf Ports to Dubai: 15–25 days
- Air Freight (USA to DXB): 3–7 days
Most people choose sea freight due to cost efficiency, while luxury vehicles sometimes move via air freight.
Cost to Import a Car from USA to Dubai – 2025 Overview
The total cost depends on the vehicle, port, and shipping method, but here is a typical price breakdown:
- Inland transport within USA: $200–$900
- Sea freight (RoRo): $1,350–$1,650
- Shared container: $1,500–$2,000
- Dedicated container: $2,200–$3,500
- Air freight: $5,500–$9,500
- Dubai port charges: AED 800–1,200
- UAE customs duty: 5% of CIF
- UAE VAT: 5% of total value after duty
- RTA testing & registration: AED 420–850
Step-by-Step Process: Importing a Car from the USA to Dubai
1. Choose and Purchase the Vehicle
You can buy cars through:
- US auctions: Copart, IAAI, Manheim
- Dealers
- Private sellers
- Online platforms: AutoTrader, eBay Motors
Before buying, check history reports for flood damage, title issues, collisions, or recalls.
2. Arrange Pickup from the Seller
Once purchased, the car must be transported to the nearest US port. Pickup can take 2–6 days based on distance. The transporter loads the car onto a carrier and delivers it to the export warehouse.
3. Select the Shipping Method
RoRo Shipping:
The vehicle is driven on and off the ship. Ideal for running cars and is cost-effective.
Shared Container:
Multiple vehicles share a 40ft container. Offers better protection and good pricing.
Dedicated Container:
One vehicle in a private container. Best for luxury or high-value vehicles.
Air Freight:
Fastest and safest but most expensive. Often used for supercars, collectibles, and urgent imports.
4. Prepare Export Documentation
Required US export documents include:
- Car title
- Bill of sale
- Export declaration
- Dock receipt
- Bill of lading
- Identification documents
These documents must match the vehicle VIN and seller information.
5. Shipping from USA to Dubai
Once the container or RoRo unit is loaded, the ship departs. During transit, you will receive updates and estimated arrival dates. Sea transit takes several weeks, while air freight arrives in a few days.
6. Arrival at Jebel Ali Port
Upon arrival, the vehicle is unloaded and moved to the inspection zone. Port procedures include:
- Verifying the VIN
- Scanning documents
- Checking for damage
- Moving the vehicle to customs holding
7. UAE Customs Clearance
Customs calculates duty based on:
- Vehicle value
- Insurance
- Freight charge
Duties and VAT must be paid before the car can be released. Once cleared, a release order is issued.
8. RTA Testing & Registration
After customs, the vehicle must pass:
- Chassis/VIN verification
- Safety test
- Emissions test
If it meets UAE standards, it can be registered and assigned Dubai number plates.
Which Types of US Cars Can Be Imported to Dubai?
Allowed:
- Clean-title cars
- Rebuildable salvage (with inspection)
- Used and new cars
- EVs and hybrids
- Motorcycles
Not Allowed:
- Severe flood-damaged cars
- Burnt vehicles
- Cars without VIN
- Stolen or total-loss vehicles
Pros and Cons of Importing a Car from the USA
Pros
- Lower prices
- High specification models
- Clear vehicle history
- Good resale market
- Large variety of options
Cons
- Longer delivery time
- Possibility of hidden damage
- Customs steps and paperwork
- RTA compliance required
Savings Example (USA vs Dubai Prices)
| Car Model | Average USA Price | Dubai Market Price | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Charger Scat Pack | $27,000 | AED 155,000 | AED 25,000+ |
| Ford Mustang GT | $22,000 | AED 135,000 | AED 18,000+ |
| Camaro SS | $20,000 | AED 125,000 | AED 15,000+ |
| Corvette C7 | $40,000 | AED 240,000 | AED 40,000+ |
Even after shipping and taxes, USA cars can still be much cheaper.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying flood-damaged vehicles
- Not checking title status
- Incorrect export paperwork
- Shipping with unreliable carriers
- Ignoring customs duty calculations
- Failing RTA inspection requirements
Why Choose Nautical Gulf for USA → Dubai Car Imports
- Pickup from any state in the USA
- Shared and dedicated container options
- Secure loading with full photo documentation
- Fast customs clearance in Dubai
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Real-time shipment tracking
- Assistance with RTA testing and registration
Nautical Gulf handles the complete process from purchase support to final delivery in Dubai.
Ready to Import Your Car from the USA?
Nautical Gulf provides reliable, safe, and affordable USA → Dubai car shipping services. Our team manages everything from inland pickup to customs clearance and RTA approval.
📞 +971 52 432 7383
📧 operations@nauticalgulf.com
🌐 https://nauticalgulf.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does shipping from the USA to Dubai take?
Sea freight takes 35–60 days depending on port. Air freight takes 3–7 days.
What is the cost of importing a car from USA?
Costs start from $1,350 for RoRo shipping, plus inland transport, duty, VAT, and RTA fees.
Can I import salvage title vehicles?
Yes, but they must pass RTA inspection. Flood-damaged cars are usually not allowed.
Which shipping method is best?
RoRo is cheapest, shared containers offer value, dedicated containers are safest, air freight is fastest.
Can Nautical Gulf handle customs and port clearance?
Yes, the team manages the full clearance process at Jebel Ali.
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