Travellers and overlanders · Updated October 2026
Carnet de Passages (CPD): Who Needs One and How to Get It
A Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) is an international customs document that lets you take your own vehicle into a country temporarily without paying import duty and taxes there. It is a guarantee: the club that issues it promises to pay the duty if the vehicle does not leave. You need one for some countries, including South Africa and its neighbours, Kenya and Australia, but not for Europe, the USA, Canada or most of South America. In the UK carnets are issued by CARS UK, the FIA-appointed issuer, not by the RAC.
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Carnet de Passages
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What it is
A customs guarantee for temporary import of your own vehicle
Issued by
Automobile clubs appointed by the FIA and AIT
UK issuer
CARS UK (the RAC stopped in 2015)
Valid for
Up to 12 months from issue
Pages
One page per country entry (UK: 5, 10 or 25 pages)
Not for
Moving or emigrating with your vehicle
What is a carnet de passages?
A carnet de passages en douane (CPD) is a booklet that acts as an international guarantee for the customs duty and taxes a country would charge on your vehicle. Instead of paying a cash deposit at the border, you show the carnet, customs stamps it in, and stamps it out when you leave. The system is run by the FIA and the AIT, and only the motoring clubs they appoint can issue and guarantee carnets.
A carnet covers cars, motorhomes, motorcycles, trailers and competition vehicles carried on a trailer. It is for temporary visits only. It cannot be used to import a vehicle when you move to a country.
Which countries need a carnet?
| Destination | Carnet | Without a carnet |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini | Needed for vehicles registered outside the Southern African Customs Union | Temporary import permit with a security at the first border |
| Kenya | Carnet or pass sheet, plus a Foreign Motor Vehicle Permit | We confirm the rules for your route when you book |
| Australia | The only way for a temporary visitor to bring a personal vehicle | None for temporary visitors |
| New Zealand | Accepted: entry without security | Cash deposit for the full duty, refunded when the vehicle leaves in time |
| India | Used: 6 months duty-free, extendable | We confirm the rules for your route when you book |
| USA | Not needed | Non-residents may use a vehicle for up to one year (form HS-7 and EPA approval) |
| Canada | Not needed | Visitors bring their own vehicle without a formal declaration |
| Mexico | Not needed | Banjercito temporary import permit with a refundable deposit of US$200 to US$400 |
| Colombia | Optional | DIAN online temporary import: 6 months, extendable by 3 |
| Argentina, Uruguay, Chile | Not needed | Temporary import at the border or online (Argentina up to 8 months, Uruguay 1 year, Chile free) |
| UK and the EU | Not needed | Temporary admission for non-residents (UK: up to 6 months in any 12) |
Sources: SARS policy SC-TA-01-06, Kenya Revenue Authority, Australian Border Force, NZ Customs, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Banjercito, DIAN, ARCA, gub.uy, ChileAtiende, GOV.UK and the FIA, checked October 2026. Rules change: we confirm them for your route when you book.
How do I get a carnet in the UK?
The RAC stopped issuing carnets in 2015. UK residents now apply to CARS UK (Classic Automotive Relocation Services), which the FIA appoints as the UK issuer and GOV.UK lists. Other countries have their own issuing clubs, such as ADAC in Germany.
- Send copies of your passport, the V5C registration document and your driving licence, with your full postal address
- Choose 5, 10 or 25 pages: each country you enter uses one page
- Provide the security: CARS UK offers a non-refundable insurance indemnity or a part-refundable deposit
- The amount depends on the vehicle's value and the countries on your route, because some charge far higher duty than others
- Apply well ahead: ADAC, for example, asks for at least four weeks
How do I use a carnet at the border?
- Entry Customs stamps the entry voucher and keeps one part. In South Africa the vehicle is also examined with you present.
- Exit Customs stamps the exit voucher when the vehicle leaves that country. Each new entry uses a new page.
- Back home UK customs certifies the certificate of location to show the vehicle is back.
- Discharge Return the carnet to the issuer before it expires to release your security.
What happens if the vehicle does not leave?
If the vehicle is not re-exported in time, or customs is not satisfied it is the same vehicle, the country claims its duty and taxes against the guarantee. In South Africa, for example, the claim goes to the Automobile Association of South Africa, and theft is generally not accepted as an excuse. Keep every stamped page and the certificate of location until the carnet is discharged.
How does shipping work with a carnet?
We ship travellers' vehicles by RORO and container to carnet destinations, including South Africa, Kenya and Australia. Tell us when you request your quote that the vehicle will travel on a carnet. We confirm the papers the destination port needs, and customs clearance is handled by our broker, a local agent we introduce, or your own.
Questions about the carnet de passages
What is a carnet de passages?
An international customs document, issued by FIA and AIT motoring clubs, that guarantees the import duty on your vehicle so you can take it into a country temporarily without paying that duty.
Does the RAC still issue carnets?
No. The RAC stopped in 2015. UK residents apply to CARS UK, the FIA-appointed issuer listed on GOV.UK.
Do I need a carnet for Europe?
No. The FIA says a carnet is not needed in Europe. Non-EU visitors use temporary admission instead, and UK visitors to the EU need no carnet.
Do I need a carnet for the USA or Canada?
No. Non-residents can use a vehicle in the USA for up to one year with form HS-7 and EPA approval, and visitors to Canada bring their own vehicle without a formal declaration.
Do I need a carnet for South Africa?
Yes, for a vehicle registered outside the Southern African Customs Union. Without one you need a temporary import permit and a security at the border.
How long is a carnet valid?
Up to 12 months from issue. A longer trip needs a second carnet or an extension.
Can I use a carnet to move abroad with my car?
No. A carnet is for temporary visits only. Moving country with your vehicle needs a permanent import or transfer of residence.
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