Rwanda drives on the right and uses left-hand-drive vehicles, which makes it distinct from most of its East African neighbours. Imports arrive via Mombasa or Dar es Salaam, then travel overland through the Northern or Central corridor.
Because Rwanda requires LHD, importers must source left-hand-drive Japanese stock specifically. SUVs and people-movers are in strong demand for the hilly terrain.
Overview
- Age limit
- No fixed limit
- Main ports
- Mombasa (transit), Dar es Salaam (transit)
- Drive side
- LHD
- Currency
- RWF
- Inspection
- Pre-shipment inspection
Indicative duties & taxes
How import taxes stack up on the CIF value.
| FOB | $10,000 |
| Ocean freight · Mombasa | $1,050 |
| Marine insurance | $166 |
| CIF value | $11,216 |
| Import Duty | $2,804 |
| Excise Duty | $701 |
| VAT | $2,650 |
| Estimated taxes | $6,155 |
| Estimated landed cost | $17,370 |
Estimates only, based on indicative rates. Request a formal quote from ASTONISHING CARS for exact figures.
Required documents
- •Original Bill of Lading
- •Export Certificate
- •Pre-shipment inspection certificate
- •Commercial invoice
- •Transit documents (corridor)
Popular models
Import process
- 1Source a left-hand-drive (LHD) Japanese vehicle.
- 2Complete a pre-shipment inspection in Japan.
- 3Ship to Mombasa or Dar es Salaam.
- 4Transit by road to Kigali under bond.
- 5Clear with RRA and pay duty, excise and VAT.
Cars in stock for Rwanda
Right-hand-drive Japanese stock our buyers regularly ship to Rwanda.
Buying & import guides for Rwanda
Model picks and import know-how for the Rwanda market.
Best Japanese cars for the Rwanda market
Clean, efficient and emissions-aware: the Japanese used cars best suited to Rwanda's market and rules.
Read moreBuying guidesToyota RAV4 export buyer's guide
The original compact SUV remains a reliable, easy-to-own import with strong resale and an efficient hybrid option.
Read moreBuying guidesToyota Land Cruiser & Prado export guide: the durability benchmark
Which Land Cruiser and Prado generations to import, diesel vs petrol, and why they hold value better than any other 4x4.
Read moreBuying guidesToyota Hiace export buyer's guide: the world's favourite van
Why the Hiace is the top commercial import in Africa and beyond, which generations and variants to target, and what to budget.
Read moreBuying guidesNissan X-Trail export buyer's guide
A roomy, affordable SUV with available all-wheel drive, the X-Trail balances comfort, economy and parts availability.
Read moreShipping & logisticsImport duty and taxes on used cars, explained
How duty, VAT, excise and clearing fees stack on top of CIF, and why the same car costs different amounts in different countries.
Read moreFrequently asked questions
Does Rwanda use LHD or RHD vehicles?+
Rwanda drives on the right and requires left-hand-drive (LHD) vehicles, unlike Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
How do cars reach Rwanda?+
Vehicles land at Mombasa or Dar es Salaam and travel overland under transit bond to Kigali.
Figures are indicative and change frequently. Always confirm current rules and rates with the official customs authority before importing.
Get market updates and stock alerts
Join importers across Europe and Africa. Price guides, regulation changes and new arrivals in your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.