Clearance procedures for temporary importation of personal vehicles

      After those wishing to import personal vehicles into Thailand for tourism purposes have prepared the documents, they must proceed to submit an application to the import customs office. The procedures for the customs clearance of temporary importation of personal vehicles are as follows: 

 1. The importer must submit the documents above, including the completed application for performing customs formalities for temporary importation of a vehicle to a Custom House/ Office at the port of entry. If there are other items or passengers and accompanying luggage with the vehicle, the importer must notify the Customs officer.

 2. The customs official checks the eligibility of the importer's temporary import based on the Customs Tariff Decree B.E. 2530 and checks the period of stay allowed by the immigration office and whether or not he or she has received a Tourist Visa. When the examination is completed, the customs official will prepare a simplified customs declaration form for the imported vehicle and determine the amount of guarantee deposit for the shipment.

 3. The importer makes payment (by cash or bank guarantee), if any.

Guarantee and bank guarantee

 1. The importer may opt for a cash guarantee, bank guarantee, or personal guarantee. In cases where such guarantee options are not available for the importer, he or she may opt for self-guarantee.

 2. The importer may request the embassy to issue a verification for customs to consider approving the importer's self-verification.

 3. The amount of guarantee will be determined by value plus all duty and taxes on the vehicle.

 4. The importer presents the evidence of the guarantee to customs officials. They will then inspect the vehicle and the passengers' accompanying baggage. When finished, the customs official will provide the importer with a copy of the simplified customs declaration form to keep with the vehicle and present to customs officials when re-exporting the vehicle.

Information as of 8 October 2018

Source: Bangkok Port Customs Office

Tel. +66 2667 7000 ext. 20-5523, 20-7638 or 20-5539