Importing car/motorcycle
Hi,
There seems to be very little to no information regarding this. But does anyone have any experience regarding importing a car (or motorcycle) from North America or Europe to Qatar?
I'd like to import a motorcycle but there's literally no information. Any "professional" companies I've tried to contact regarding their service have all been been of no help. Has anyone out there ever done this, or can recommend a company?
Many thanks!
Mary: That's exactly my problem. One day I get information that confirms my plans to export. The next, the opposite. I have a feeling that I will have no problem getting my car to Qatar and parking it until I get my RP and ID to register it. But, then, when I actually go to get it inspected for insurance and registration, WHAMOO! -- no can do. I've been emailing embassies and consulates, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. No answers, save the one face-to-face answer from the Qatar consulate in Abu Dhabi. I think I will start faxing them until their machines run out of paper. One freight forwarder has already told me that most likely it will be impossible. Hope springs eternal, but it is still not looking good. Thanks, Mary, for your advice.
It applies to all vehicles so far as I know. People have been unable to register their cars in Qatar if it was more than 5 years old and have had to re-export them back out or abandon them. UAE has similar rules on imported vehicles.
The relocation service is probably more reliable than the consulate - check with more freight forwarders to confirm. Unfortunately, like many other GCC government offices, you get different answers from different people.
What office in Doha should I contact to inquire about the five-year rule? I'm beginning to think that the person at the Qatari Consulate in Abu Dhabi did not give me correct information. I just got off the phone with a relocation service, who corroborated the five-year rule for Qatar.
Mary: Does the rule that "no car more than 5 years old willl be permitted entry to Qatar" apply only to cars imported from outside the GCC? I was at the Qatari Consulate in Abu Dhabi recently and asked if I would be allowed to export my 2004 GCC spec Chevrolet from the UAE to Qatar and was told that it would not be a problem.
Contact an international freight forwarder near you. They can advise on costs and documentation required. Be aware that no car more than 5 years old will be permitted entry. Don't know about bikes. There may be some customs charges/duty involved. Again the freight forwarder should be able to advise or know where to find out.