The Carnet de Passage en Douane (CPD) is one of the most important documents in international vehicle travel — and one of the least understood. If you plan to drive your own vehicle across borders in Africa, the Middle East, or parts of Asia, you almost certainly need one. Here is everything you need to know.
The Basics
Multi-Country Travel
A single CPD booklet covers multiple countries on one trip. You declare your intended route at the time of application and the document is stamped in and out at each border. This means you can cross numerous countries without paying import duties at every crossing — making it the essential document for overland journeys through Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
CPD Insurance
CPD insurance is a specialist policy that provides the financial guarantee required to obtain a Carnet. Rather than lodging a large cash deposit with the issuing automobile club — which can equal 100–200% of your vehicle's value — the insurer underwrites the liability on your behalf for an annual premium. If you fail to re-export the vehicle and a customs claim is made, the insurer pays the duty and recovers the cost from you. Without CPD insurance or a cash deposit, a Carnet cannot be issued.
What Is a Carnet de Passage?
A CPD is an internationally recognised customs document that acts as a temporary import permit for your vehicle. It guarantees to customs authorities in every country you visit that you will re-export the vehicle before the document expires — and that if you fail to do so, your issuing automobile club will pay the applicable import duties on your behalf.
In practical terms, the CPD eliminates the need to pay import duties as a cash deposit at each border — which on some routes could amount to multiples of your vehicle's value. Instead, the liability is covered by a financial guarantee arranged through the issuing authority.
Which Countries Require a CPD?
Requirements vary by country and can change. The following countries and regions commonly require or strongly recommend a CPD:
- Africa: Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and many others across the continent
- Middle East: Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman (for some nationalities)
- South and Central Asia: India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka
- Southeast Asia: Malaysia, Thailand (for overland entries)
Many overlanders driving the Trans-Africa route or the Silk Road encounter CPD requirements at multiple borders. Always verify the current requirements for your specific route before departing — regulations do change.
How the Financial Guarantee Works
The CPD system is administered nationally by automobile clubs affiliated with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) or the Alliance Internationale de Tourisme (AIT). To obtain a CPD, you must arrange a financial guarantee — typically in one of two forms:
- Cash deposit: You deposit a sum (usually 100–200% of the vehicle's assessed value) with the issuing club. It is refunded when the CPD is returned correctly stamped on completion of your trip.
- Indemnity insurance / bank guarantee: A specialist insurer or bank provides the guarantee on your behalf in exchange for a premium. This avoids the need to tie up large amounts of cash.
The guarantee amount is calculated based on the highest duty rate among the countries you intend to visit — which is why African routes in particular require substantial guarantees, as some countries have duty rates exceeding 100% of vehicle value.
How to Use a CPD at the Border
A CPD is a booklet of counterfoils. Each page has three sections: a volet d'entrée (entry), a volet de sortie (exit) and a talon (stub). At each border:
- On entry: Customs officials stamp and remove the entry counterfoil and retain it
- On exit: Customs officials stamp and remove the exit counterfoil
- The stub: Remains in the booklet throughout the journey as a record
It is critical that every entry is matched by a corresponding exit stamp. If you leave a country without having your CPD stamped out, that country's customs authority is entitled to make a claim against the guarantee — which means the issuing club pays the duty, and then recovers the money from you.
CPD vs ATA Carnet
The ATA Carnet is a separate but related instrument. While a CPD is specifically for private vehicles travelling under their own power (or being transported temporarily), an ATA Carnet covers commercial goods, professional equipment and goods for exhibition temporarily imported into a country. For most personal vehicle travel situations, the CPD is the correct document. Our team can advise on which instrument applies to your specific situation.
Validity and Number of Countries
A CPD is typically valid for 12 months from the date of issue, though some issuing clubs offer longer validity periods. The document covers a specified list of countries — you must declare your intended route at the time of application, and the guarantee amount is calculated based on the highest-duty country on that list.
If your plans change and you want to add countries to your route, you may need to amend your CPD and potentially increase the guarantee amount. Always contact the issuing club before crossing into a country not listed on your document.
How World Car Logistics Can Help
We assist clients with CPD-related shipping logistics for vehicles departing or arriving in the UAE, Europe and the USA. If you are shipping your vehicle to a departure point for an overland journey, or arranging return shipping at the end of a trip, our team coordinates the entire process — including timing the shipment to align with your CPD validity dates.
For specific CPD issuance, we work with accredited automobile clubs in the relevant countries. Contact our team to discuss your journey plans and we will advise on the most practical approach.