Services
Carnet de Passage
Planning an overland expedition across Africa, the Middle East or Asia? The Carnet de Passage en Douane (CPD) is the internationally recognised customs document that acts as a passport for your vehicle — allowing temporary import across borders without paying duties. World Car Logistics guides you through the entire process.
100+
Countries recognised
12
Months validity
1954
Customs Convention
The Basics
What Is a Carnet de Passage?
The Carnet de Passage en Douane — French for "Notebook of Passage through Customs" — is an internationally standardised booklet that facilitates the temporary importation of a motor vehicle across international borders.
Temporary Importation
A CPD allows you to temporarily import your vehicle into participating countries without paying local import duties or taxes, provided you re-export it within the permitted period.
Multi-Country Travel
A single CPD can cover entry into multiple countries on one overland journey. Each country stamps the counterfoils on entry and exit, creating a complete customs trail.
CPD Insurance
When you drive your vehicle into a foreign country, local law requires you to hold valid motor insurance for that territory — your domestic policy will not cover you across borders. CPD insurance provides temporary cover for the duration of your trip, country by country, ensuring you are legally insured wherever you travel. World Car Logistics can arrange this on your behalf, tailored to your route and travel dates.
Where It's Required
Sample Countries That Require a CPD
Requirements change periodically. Always confirm with us before departure — we keep track of the latest country-specific rules.
Africa
Botswana, Egypt, Kenya, Lesotho, Libya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Zimbabwe
America
Argentina, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela
Asia & The Middle East
Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syria, United Arab Emirates
Europe
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Oceania
Australia, New Zealand
How We Help
Our CPD Process
Eligibility Check
We assess your vehicle, nationality, intended route and travel duration to confirm whether a CPD is required and which issuing authority applies to you.
Issuing Authority
CPDs are issued by national automobile clubs affiliated with the FIA or AIT — such as the RAC or AA (UK), ADAC (Germany), AAA (USA) or equivalent. We guide you to the correct issuing body for your country of residence.
Security Deposit
Most issuing authorities require a security deposit or bank guarantee. This is refunded upon return of the completed CPD.
Documentation
We help you prepare the supporting documents required: vehicle registration certificate, proof of ownership, passport copies, route itinerary and insurance documents.
Shipping Coordination
Where your vehicle needs to be shipped to the starting point of your overland journey, World Car Logistics coordinates the international shipping leg — container or air freight — alongside your CPD arrangement.
Border Crossings
At each border, present your CPD alongside your passport and vehicle documents. Customs officers stamp the entry and exit counterfoils. We advise on country-specific procedures beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Carnet de Passage valid?
Most CPDs are issued for 12 months, though some countries limit the vehicle's stay to 3 or 6 months per entry. Extensions can sometimes be arranged in-country through local automobile clubs.
What happens if I don't re-export my vehicle?
If the vehicle is not re-exported within the permitted period, the issuing automobile club is liable to pay the import duties to the local customs authority and will recover this cost — plus penalties — from you. This is why a security deposit is required.
Do I need a CPD for every country on my route?
Not necessarily. Some countries on your route may not require a CPD and instead issue a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) at the border. We map out your specific route and advise which countries require which documentation.
Is insurance included with a CPD?
No — a CPD is a customs document, not an insurance policy. You will need appropriate international motor insurance (a Green Card for Europe, or specific policies for African and Asian countries) separately.
Planning an Overland Expedition?
Get in touch with our team to discuss your route, timeline and Carnet de Passage requirements. We respond within 24 hours.
Get in Touch