Many travelers exploring North and South America with their vehicles are often surprised to learn they can’t simply drive across the border between Panama and Colombia. The infamous Darién Gap, a dense, roadless stretch of jungle and mountains, stands as an impassable barrier. However, rest assured! You can still transport your car or motorcycle to Panama by shipping it from Cartagena, Colombia, using specialized maritime cargo services.
Your Vehicle Shipping Options
When looking to ship your car to Panama from Colombia, you generally have three primary options, each with its own cost and considerations:
- 40-foot Shared Container:
- Description: This large container (measuring approximately 2.35m high x 12m long x 4m wide) can typically accommodate two standard vehicles (cars).
- Cost: The approximate price for a full 40-foot container is US$2,000. If you find another client to share it with, your cost would be approximately US$1,000 per vehicle. This is often the most cost-effective solution for cars.
- 20-foot Individual Container:
- Description: If sharing a container isn’t an option or you prefer dedicated space, you’ll need this smaller, individual container.
- Cost: This option is more expensive, with an approximate price of US$1,800.
- RoRo (Roll On – Roll Off):
- Description: This method is ideal for very large vehicles (like RVs or trucks) or motorcycles, as they are transported as loose cargo on specialized vessels.
- Cost: RoRo is generally cheaper than container shipping, with an approximate cost starting from US$700, varying per square meter occupied.
- Important Security Note: With RoRo, you must hand over your vehicle’s keys, and the shipping company typically holds no responsibility for items stolen from inside the vehicle. It is highly recommended not to leave anything of value inside your vehicle.
Please Note:
- All the above costs for transporting a vehicle to Panama are estimated only and do not include customs duties, taxes, or local port procedures once your vehicle arrives in Panama.
- Prices can vary significantly based on the shipping company, time of year, and specific vehicle dimensions.
Documents Required for Vehicle Shipment & Customs Clearance
To ensure a smooth process for shipping and customs clearance, you will typically need to provide the following documents:
- Your Passport
- Vehicle Title (Original)
- Bill of Lading (provided by the shipping company)
- Commercial Invoice (detailing vehicle value)
Upon arrival in Panama, you will also be responsible for paying import duties and taxes, which are calculated based on the vehicle’s value, age, and type.
Panama Vehicle Importation Process: Step-by-Step
Once your vehicle arrives at the port in Colón, Panama, you’ll need to follow a series of steps to successfully clear it through customs and get it on Panamanian roads. Given the complexity of customs procedures, it is highly recommended to hire a local customs broker to assist you with this process, especially if you are not familiar with Panamanian regulations.
- Locate Your Vehicle: Upon arrival, proceed to the port in the province of Colón to locate your shipped vehicle.
- Obtain Local Insurance: To legally drive on Panamanian roads, you must have at least third-party liability insurance. The cost varies by coverage, starting from approximately US$20 per month.
- Pay the Bill of Lading Fee: Go to the office of the shipping company that transported your vehicle and pay the Bill of Lading fee, which is approximately US$30.
- Clear Customs: This is often the most intricate step. Work with your customs broker (or proceed to the Colón Customs office directly if you’re managing it yourself) to complete all necessary paperwork and pay applicable import duties and taxes.
- Reclaim Your Vehicle: Once customs clearance is complete, present your stamped Bill of Lading at the shipping company’s office and pay a corresponding release fee, approximately US$120.
- Vehicle Fumigation: A mandatory step for all imported vehicles, costing approximately US$6.
Estimated Local Processing Fees in Panama (Excluding Shipping Cost): The sum of steps 3, 5, and 6 for local processing fees is approximately US156(often rounded to about US200). Remember, this is in addition to the separate cost of shipping your vehicle from Colombia.
Transporting your vehicle across the Darién Gap requires careful planning and awareness of the specific logistical and financial steps involved. By understanding the shipping options, required documentation, and local import process, you can ensure a smoother journey for your vehicle into Panama.