RORO and container · Updated October 2026
Vehicle Shipping from Mexico to Colombia
Shipping a car from Veracruz, Mexico to Cartagena, Colombia by RORO costs about US$1,100 in sea freight for a standard car, or US$2,240–3,120 for a motorhome. Allow about US$650–750 in export costs in Mexico and about US$750–1,070 in import costs in Colombia. Direct sailings take 5–7 days.
- Instant pricing in about 2 minutes
- Customs clearance support
- BIFA and FIATA member
Standard car, RORO, Veracruz to Cartagena
from US$1,100
Typical price about US$1,100 · 5–7 days direct
Get my quoteNo account needed. You get instant pricing.
Car from
US$1,100 sea freight (RORO)
Route
Veracruz (or Altamira), Mexico to Cartagena, Colombia
Sailing time
5–7 days direct; longer via US ports
Export costs in Mexico
About US$650 (under 5 t) or US$750 (5 t and over)
Import costs in Colombia
About US$750–1,070, paid direct
Cut-off
9–10 days before sailing
Collection in Colombia
3–4 working days after arrival
Methods
RORO only
How much does RORO shipping cost?
Typical RORO sea freight Veracruz to Cartagena, including BAF, LSL and bill of lading, based on IVSS quotes for this route in the last 90 days. Export costs in Mexico and import costs in Colombia are extra (see below).
| Vehicle | Typical sea freight | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Car (saloon/hatchback) | about US$1,100 | Get a quote |
| 4x4 / SUV | US$1,350 – 1,500 | Get a quote |
| Van | US$1,350 – 2,440 | Get a quote |
| Campervan / motorhome | US$2,240 – 3,120 | Get a quote |
| 4x4 camper / overlander | US$1,500 – 2,630 | Get a quote |
| Expedition truck | US$3,190 – 4,630 | Get a quote |
Why are you shipping your vehicle from Mexico to Colombia?
Touring / Overlanding
Start South America
Skip Central America and the Darien Gap: ship from Veracruz straight to Cartagena.
Read moreMoving to Colombia
Relocating with a vehicle?
Colombia does not allow permanent import of used vehicles; visitors use a temporary permit.
Read moreClassic and collector cars
Tour South America in a classic
Older vehicles can visit Colombia on the same temporary permit as any tourist vehicle.
Read moreTrade and business
Trucks, plant and projects
RORO for oversized units and project cargo, priced by the cubic metre.
Read moreEntry rules
What are the rules for temporary entry, permanent import and transfer of residence in Colombia?
Colombia welcomes visiting vehicles on a temporary import permit from customs (DIAN). Permanent import of a used vehicle is not allowed.
| Option | Who it is for | Duty and tax | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary entry (visitors and tourists) | Travellers bringing their own vehicle, by land or by ship. Colombians living abroad qualify with proof of foreign residence. | No duty while the permit is valid and the vehicle leaves on time. | Passport and immigration entry, proof of ownership, and the DIAN online tourist vehicle application. No carnet de passages is needed. |
| Permanent import | Anyone wanting to keep a vehicle in Colombia. | Not possible for used vehicles: under the Andean automotive agreement Colombia only authorises the import of new vehicles. | Not available for used vehicles. |
| Transfer of residence | Colombians returning home after living abroad. | Household goods can come in with a single 15% tax, or tax-free under the Return Law (Ley 1565). Vehicles are not covered by either. | No relief for vehicles; a used vehicle cannot be imported permanently. |
The tourist permit lasts 6 months and can be extended once by 3 months through the DIAN system. The vehicle must leave before the permit ends: late re-export brings a fine and the vehicle can be immobilised. The permit is personal, so the vehicle cannot be sold or left behind in Colombia.
Official sources: DIAN: tourist vehicle temporary import is now fully online (6 months + 3) · DIAN Oficio 018068 of 2025: late re-export of temporary imports · Cancillería: why used vehicles cannot be imported into Colombia · DIAN: menaje doméstico (household goods) · DIAN: benefits of the Return Law
Customs clearance is through our broker, a local agent we introduce, or your own broker. Rules change; we confirm them for your vehicle before you ship.
Touring / Overlanding
How do I ship my vehicle from Veracruz to Cartagena?
Shipping from Mexico avoids the Darien Gap and several Central American borders. You fly to Colombia while the vehicle sails.
What to send us
- Copy of passport and vehicle registration
- Your Mexican temporary import permit
- Addresses in Mexico and Colombia
- Details of any loaded motorbike or second vehicle
Before you ship
- Deliver to the port 9–10 days before sailing
- Empty all gas tanks and bottles; some carriers allow no gas at all
- Use an agent at each port: it is mandatory
- Close your Mexican permit when the vehicle leaves
Security
We advise against one service on this route because of thefts, and only quote it for vehicles shipped completely empty.
Two vehicles
Mexico issues one temporary import permit per person, so tell us before booking if you ship a second vehicle. We confirm the Colombian rules for it before you ship.
Going north?
We ship from Colombia to Mexico, Panama and the USA.
Paperwork
What paperwork do I need in Mexico and Colombia?
Most vehicles on this route are travelling. A clearing agent is required in each port; clearance is by our broker, a local agent we introduce, or your own broker.
- Leaving Mexico
- Your Banjercito temporary import permit is closed when the vehicle is exported, which releases your deposit.
- Arriving in Colombia
- The local agent in Cartagena clears the vehicle and you apply for the DIAN tourist permit online.
- Costs in Mexico
- About US$650 (under 5,000 kg) or US$750 (5,000 kg and over), including the export agent, paid direct.
- Costs in Colombia
- About US$750–1,070 for admin, THC, port charges and the clearing agent, charged by size and weight, paid direct.
- Insurance in Colombia
- SOAT, Colombia's compulsory third-party insurance, must be bought before you drive.
Trade and business
Do you ship for businesses and project cargo?
We ship vehicles, trucks and equipment from Mexico to Colombia for businesses as well as travellers, on regular RORO sailings from Veracruz and Altamira.
RORO
Veracruz to Cartagena on several carriers, 5–7 days direct. Oversized units are charged by the cubic metre.
Containers
Not offered on this route at present.
Other routes
Mexico to Europe, Colombia to Mexico, and the USA to Colombia.
Price match
We will try to match or beat any valid quotation.
Why ship with IVSS?
Advice you can use
Temporary and permanent import, paperwork and insurance, explained before you book.
Trusted agents only
We only use agents we know, which avoids surprise costs.
Kept informed
We update you at every stage, from booking to collection.
We have done it ourselves
We have shipped our own vehicle around the world.
How does shipping from Mexico work?
Book 4–8 weeks ahead. We handle the booking and paperwork, and help with customs.
1
Get a quote
Fill in the 2-minute form for instant pricing.
2
Book your sailing
We confirm the carrier, date and port delivery instructions.
3
Prepare
Clean the vehicle, remove loose items, send your registration document and passport copy.
4
Drop off
At the terminal, normally 4–7 days before sailing.
5
Sea crossing
We track the vessel and keep you updated until arrival.
6
Clearance and collection
Customs is cleared by our broker, a local agent or your own; collection is normally 2–3 working days after arrival.
Do I need marine insurance for the crossing?
Your road insurance does not cover the sea crossing. We arrange All Risks marine insurance from the departure port to the arrival port, with or without a condition survey.
Motorhomes, expedition trucks and 4x4 campers: when insured through us, personal items inside the vehicle are covered up to €15,000, where your route allows belongings in the vehicle.
- Insured value up to €25,000€200 single trip, €400 multi-trip
- Insured value up to €50,000€300 single trip, €600 multi-trip
- Insured value up to €100,000€425 single trip, €850 multi-trip
- Higher values, up to €1,000,000In bands, shown on your quote; above that, ask us
Excess €500 per claim. Cover is subject to the insurer's policy wording, which we send with your booking confirmation. Damage, theft and claims
Questions about shipping from Mexico
How much does it cost to ship a car from Mexico to Colombia?
RORO sea freight for a standard car is about US$1,100, based on IVSS quotes in the last 90 days. Add about US$650–750 in export costs in Mexico and about US$750–1,070 in import costs in Colombia.
How long does the crossing take?
Direct sailings from Veracruz to Cartagena take 5–7 days. Some ships call at Altamira and US ports on the way and take up to about two weeks.
Can I ship in a container from Mexico to Colombia?
We only offer RORO on this route at present.
Do I need a carnet de passages for Colombia?
No. Colombian customs (DIAN) issue a temporary import permit online for 6 months, which can be extended by 3 months.
When can I collect my vehicle in Cartagena?
Usually 3–4 working days after arrival, depending on the carrier's invoicing and whether the ship arrives near a weekend.
What do I need to book?
Copies of your registration and passport, addresses in Mexico and Colombia, and a copy of the Mexican temporary import permit from when you entered Mexico.
When are the next RORO sailings to Cartagena?
Live schedules from the carriers we book with. Dates move; we confirm yours at booking.
Mexico to Cartagena
RORO
Next sailing: Toledo from Altamira on 20 Nov 2026, arriving Cartagena on 27 Nov 2026 (7 days). About 10 sailings a month. Updated 11 Nov 2026.
Calls at Cartagena
| Vessel | From | Departs | Cartagena |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toledo | Altamira | 20 Nov 2026 | 27 Nov 2026 |
| Toledo | Veracruz | 22 Nov 2026 | 27 Nov 2026 |
| Toronto | Veracruz | 27 Nov 2026 | 6 Dec 2026 |
| Toronto | Altamira | 28 Nov 2026 | 6 Dec 2026 |
| Höegh Pacific | Veracruz | 29 Nov 2026 | 7 Dec 2026 |
| Höegh Pacific | Altamira | 1 Dec 2026 | 7 Dec 2026 |
| Tosca | Veracruz | 12 Dec 2026 | 19 Dec 2026 |
| Tosca | Altamira | 13 Dec 2026 | 19 Dec 2026 |
| Höegh Yokohama | Veracruz | 17 Dec 2026 | 23 Dec 2026 |
| Höegh Yokohama | Altamira | 19 Dec 2026 | 23 Dec 2026 |
| Hoegh Yokohama | Veracruz | 19 Dec 2026 | 27 Dec 2026 |
| Hoegh Yokohama | Altamira | 22 Dec 2026 | 27 Dec 2026 |
| Höegh Oslo | Veracruz | 27 Dec 2026 | 3 Jan 2027 |
| Höegh Oslo | Altamira | 28 Dec 2026 | 3 Jan 2027 |
| Hoegh Oslo | Veracruz | 28 Dec 2026 | 5 Jan 2027 |
| Hoegh Oslo | Altamira | 30 Dec 2026 | 5 Jan 2027 |
- ToledoFrom Altamira 20 Nov → Cartagena 27 Nov · 7 days
- ToledoFrom Veracruz 22 Nov → Cartagena 27 Nov · 5 days
- TorontoFrom Veracruz 27 Nov → Cartagena 6 Dec · 9 days
- TorontoFrom Altamira 28 Nov → Cartagena 6 Dec · 8 days
- Höegh PacificFrom Veracruz 29 Nov → Cartagena 7 Dec · 8 days
- Höegh PacificFrom Altamira 1 Dec → Cartagena 7 Dec · 6 days
- ToscaFrom Veracruz 12 Dec → Cartagena 19 Dec · 7 days
- ToscaFrom Altamira 13 Dec → Cartagena 19 Dec · 6 days
- Höegh YokohamaFrom Veracruz 17 Dec → Cartagena 23 Dec · 6 days
- Höegh YokohamaFrom Altamira 19 Dec → Cartagena 23 Dec · 4 days
- Hoegh YokohamaFrom Veracruz 19 Dec → Cartagena 27 Dec · 8 days
- Hoegh YokohamaFrom Altamira 22 Dec → Cartagena 27 Dec · 5 days
- Höegh OsloFrom Veracruz 27 Dec → Cartagena 3 Jan · 7 days
- Höegh OsloFrom Altamira 28 Dec → Cartagena 3 Jan · 6 days
- Hoegh OsloFrom Veracruz 28 Dec → Cartagena 5 Jan · 8 days
- Hoegh OsloFrom Altamira 30 Dec → Cartagena 5 Jan · 6 days
Schedule as at 11 Nov 2026. Dates are the carriers' estimates and can change; we confirm yours when you book.
Related routes and guides
Member of
IVSS is a member of BIFA, the British International Freight Association, and FIATA, the international federation of freight forwarders.
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