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Car Shipping to Botswana (Gaborone) from the UK

Ascope Shipping offers reliable and affordable car shipping to Botswana (Gaborone). With over 15 years of experience and a trusted reputation as one of the UK’s leading car shipping companies, we specialise in transporting vehicles safely from the UK to Gaborone, Francistown, and other destinations in Botswana. Whether you are an individual, business, or car dealer, our dedicated team ensures your vehicle reaches its destination on time and in perfect condition.

Shipping Methods: RORO and Container

When it comes to shipping vehicles to Botswana ports, we offer two reliable options:

RoRo Car Shipping to Botswana

Our RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping service from Tilbury Port in Essex is a cost-effective solution for transporting your vehicles to Botswana, with vessels sailing to Walvis Bay (Namibia) or Durban (South Africa) before onward overland delivery to Gaborone or Francistown. This method allows you to ship cars (saloons and 4x4s), vans, minibuses, buses, trucks, tractors, agricultural machinery, and plant equipment as individual units, charged based on the space they occupy on the vessel.

We export both new and used vehicles, as well as self-propelled machinery, to Botswana from the UK. Our door-to-port and port-to-port services provide flexibility, allowing you to either drive your vehicle to the port or utilize our door-to-port transportation service.

Container Car Shipping to Botswana (Gaborone)

Prefer extra protection for your vehicle during the journey to Botswana? Container shipping loads your car securely inside a 20ft or 40ft container rather than driving it onto an open vessel, guarding against weather and handling damage throughout transit. Extra space can be used for personal goods or spare parts. Though usually costlier than RoRo, this method offers maximum safety and is ideal for luxury or high-value vehicles. See full container pricing and options on our container shipping to Botswana page.

Prices for shipping to Botswana

Vehicle TypeRO/RO Prices / CostsContainer prices / Costs
Saloon Vehicle e.g Peugeot 406£1670Enquire (20ft cont)
4×4 Vehicle e.g. Toyota Land Cruiser£1950Enquire (20ft cont)
Vans e.g Ford transitEnquireEnquire (20ft cont)
2 cars (saloon / 4×4)EnquireEnquire (40ft cont)

Vehicle Shipping to Botswana Process: Step-by-Step

We’ve simplified the process to make it hassle-free:

  1. Request a Quote: Provide your vehicle details and destination
  2. Choose a Shipping Method: Select RoRo or container based on your needs and budget
  3. Vehicle Collection or Delivery: Either drop your car at the port or use our door-to-port collection service
  4. Customs Preparation: We guide you on required paperwork, including the V5C logbook, proof of ownership, and Botswana vehicle import permit
  5. Transit & Delivery: Vessels sail to Walvis Bay (Namibia) or Durban (South Africa), followed by onward delivery to Gaborone or Francistown

Transit Time for Car Shipping to Botswana

On average, transit time for car shipping to Botswana is:

  • UK to Walvis Bay (Namibia): around 18 to 20 days.
  • UK to Durban (South Africa): around 22 to 25 days.
  • Overland transport to Botswana: additional 3 to 5 days.

Import Duties and Clearance

When importing a vehicle, understanding car import requirements in Botswana is essential. Our team provides step-by-step support with customs clearance and documentation.

Import Duties & Taxes:

  • VAT: 14% on all imported vehicles
  • Customs duty: Varies depending on vehicle type, age, and engine size
  • Excise tax: May apply on luxury or larger-engine vehicles

Required Documents:

  • Original vehicle registration certificate (V5C)
  • Purchase invoice or proof of value
  • Passport copy
  • Import permit from the Botswana Department of International Trade
  • Customs form SAD 500

Notify the DVLA if you’re exporting your vehicle permanently from the UK.

Clearance Process

Once the vehicle arrives at the port, our clearing agents handle customs declarations, inspection, and arrange overland transport to Botswana. This ensures your car is delivered quickly and legally without delays.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping to Botswana

Proper preparation reduces the risk of delays during inspection and loading.

Before your vehicle departs the UK, make sure to:

  • Clean the vehicle thoroughly, inside and out
  • Remove all personal belongings
  • Leave the fuel tank below a quarter full for safety during transit
  • Check that the vehicle is in full working order, since a non-running car may require container shipping rather than RoRo
  • Keep spare keys ready to hand over at collection
  • Have your documentation organised and easily accessible for customs officials and port staff

Car Registration in Botswana After Import

After customs clearance, vehicles must be registered locally. The process involves:

  • Presenting customs documents and proof of clearance
  • Paying registration fees and roadworthy inspection charges
  • Obtaining Botswana number plates

UK Ports for Car Shipping to Botswana

We ship regularly from major UK export ports:

Restricted Items for Car Shipping to Botswana

Certain items cannot be left inside the vehicle when arranging car shipping to Botswana.

Restricted items include:

  • Flammable liquids
  • Hazardous materials or chemicals
  • Weapons or illegal items
  • Undeclared household goods

Removing restricted items ensures compliance with international shipping safety regulations and smooth customs clearance in Botswana.

Why Choose Ascope for Vehicle Shipping to Botswana?

  • 15+ years of industry expertise in handling RoRo, container, and commercial shipments
  • Regular sailings from major UK ports
  • Flexible services: door-to-port and port-to-port options
  • Support with Botswana customs vehicle import paperwork and import regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

Costs vary depending on vehicle type and shipping method. RoRo shipping for a saloon starts from £1670, while a 4×4 starts from £1950. Contact us for an accurate quote.

Transit time is usually 3–4 weeks, depending on port of arrival (Walvis Bay or Durban) and final delivery to Gaborone or Francistown.

You’ll need the V5C logbook, purchase invoice, passport, Botswana vehicle import permit, and SAD 500 customs declaration form. Check current requirements with the Botswana Unified Revenue Service, as regulations can change.

Get Your Free Car Shipping Quote

Ascope Shipping is here to make international car shipping to Botswana straightforward and cost-effective. With 15 years of experience and a reputation as one of the UK’s leading car shipping companies, we handle everything from documentation and customs preparation to delivery, so you can ship with complete confidence. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote, and let our experienced team move your vehicle to Gaborone or Francistown securely, affordably, and on time.

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