Shipping a car from Grand Harbour, Valletta to the UK
Cars we ship from Malta to the UK leave from Grand Harbour, Valletta. We collect the car, get it to the port, ship it and clear it through UK customs.
About Grand Harbour, Valletta
Grand Harbour at Valletta is Malta's main cargo port. Valletta Gateway Terminals has run its main cargo facilities under a 30-year concession since 2006, handling RoRo trailers, vehicles and containers for Malta's own imports and exports. Malta Freeport, in the south of the island, is a separate container terminal that mainly handles transhipment.
Sources: maltainvest.mt, thebusinesspicture.com, maltafreeport.com.mt
Shipping from Valletta
We can collect from your address anywhere in Malta and bring it over by road. Or, if you would rather drive it over yourself, we can clear it through UK customs once you land.
Unless you pay for a container of your own, your car shares one with other customers’ cars, which keeps the price down. Not sure which suits your car? Our guide to container, RoRo or air goes through the differences.
The route to the UK
Cars from Malta arrive at a UK port, usually in the south of England, and come by road to our site in Castle Donington, near Derby. Cars shipped in a container are unloaded at our own premises, away from busy port warehouses and long port waiting times.
Paperwork and tax
You will usually need the car’s registration papers, proof of ownership such as a purchase invoice, and your passport. Our guide to the documents you need has the full list.
A car bought in Malta usually pays 20% import VAT when it lands, and no duty if it was built in the EU or UK. If you are moving here after more than 12 months abroad and have owned the car for over 6 months, Transfer of Residence makes it tax free.
Want a rough idea now? Try the import tax calculator, or read how to bring your car tax free if you are moving here.
Questions people ask
How long does it take to ship a car from Valletta to the UK?
Usually 1 to 4 weeks, as a guide. Sailing dates, customs checks and how busy the route is all play a part, so your quote will give you a firmer estimate.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Valletta?
Our guide price for Malta is from £1,725 for a car, built from a year of real jobs. It covers shipping only: registration, other services, import tax and remedial fees are extra. Motorbikes start from £1,250.
Do I have to take the car to Valletta myself?
No. We collect from your address or dealer and truck the car to the port. If you would rather drop it at Valletta yourself, tell us on the quote form.
Will my car definitely ship from Valletta?
Usually it ships from the nearest main port to where it is collected. The shipping line confirms the port and the sailing when we book, and your quote will say which port we are planning to use.
Can you register the car once it is here?
Yes. Shipping a Car is part of My Car Import, so testing and registration happen on the same site. Our dealer-level DVLA account lets us register imported cars within 10 working days.
Shipping from Valletta?
Where it is, what it is and when you need it here. We will come back with a price for the whole job, not just the boat.
Rather talk it through? Call 01332 810442
