To enter into Kenya with a motor vehicle, Carnet issuers and even the Kenyan Revenue Authorities website says that you must have a Carnet.
However, when we exited Kenya a few days ago, we asked the customs officers whether it was possible to arrange a temporary importation of the vehicle on a TIP.
He said it was possible to enter with a TIP, however you would have to pay a bond equivalent to the import duties and tax that would be due if you were actually importing the vehicle into Kenya.
*Note they strongly recommend using a Carnet….
We spent about half an hour with one of the officers going through examples of the calculations of the CIF value and the duties that would need to be paid.
Taxes & Duties
We have created a Kenyan duty calculator which incorporates the latest CRSP data (Oct 2015). Please feel free to download and use the excel template. (*for non-commercial use).
*Notes
Process
In order to temporarily import your vehicle, you will need to carry out the following, the process to enter can take from 1-7 working days:
Exiting Kenya
*Further notes
The information above was provided by a customs officer on the border
The information has not been verified as we are not aware of anyone who has entered Kenya without a Carnet
Depositing money with a foreign customs department, in a country with a high risk of corruption is not advised.
We would recommend before committing to travelling to Kenya without a Carnet, you verify the process with customs and an agent.
If you do enter Kenya without a Carnet on a TIP, could you please update this thread for others also looking to do the same.
However, when we exited Kenya a few days ago, we asked the customs officers whether it was possible to arrange a temporary importation of the vehicle on a TIP.
He said it was possible to enter with a TIP, however you would have to pay a bond equivalent to the import duties and tax that would be due if you were actually importing the vehicle into Kenya.
*Note they strongly recommend using a Carnet….
We spent about half an hour with one of the officers going through examples of the calculations of the CIF value and the duties that would need to be paid.
Taxes & Duties
- Import Duty: 25% of the (CIF value of the vehicle)
- Excise Duty: 20% of the (CIF value + Import Duty)
- VAT: 16% of the (CIF value + Import Duty + Excise Duty)
- IDF: 2.25% of the (CIF value) or Ksh. 5,000, whichever is higher is payable.
We have created a Kenyan duty calculator which incorporates the latest CRSP data (Oct 2015). Please feel free to download and use the excel template. (*for non-commercial use).
*Notes
- We do not know how much an agent would cost!!
- Customs are free to decide the value of your vehicle for customs purposes, they may accept your valuation if you vehicle is mot listed on the CRSP
- There may be problems for vehicles over 8 years old as these are banned for full import in to the country (check with customs in writing first)
- References CRSP – 2015, Kenyan Customs
Process
In order to temporarily import your vehicle, you will need to carry out the following, the process to enter can take from 1-7 working days:
- Appoint an Agent – Kenyan Clearing Agents (prior to entering Kenya)
- Pay the bond amount calculated
- Go to the border/customs with evidence of your bond payment
- Obtain a TIP (max 3 months)
- *It is recommended to obtain your Kenyan visa in advance, rather than on arrival.
Exiting Kenya
- Exit the country – cancel the TIP
- Send a copy of the cancelled TIP to the customs agent to arrange repayment of the bond (may take 1 – 30 days)
*Further notes
The information above was provided by a customs officer on the border
The information has not been verified as we are not aware of anyone who has entered Kenya without a Carnet
Depositing money with a foreign customs department, in a country with a high risk of corruption is not advised.
We would recommend before committing to travelling to Kenya without a Carnet, you verify the process with customs and an agent.
If you do enter Kenya without a Carnet on a TIP, could you please update this thread for others also looking to do the same.
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