Can I import a car from Japan to Venezuela?

In principle yes, but Venezuela's import licensing, currency controls and payment logistics make the process highly uncertain. We recommend contacting our team first for a current status check before any vehicle is sourced.

What import duty applies in Venezuela?

Approximately 20% import duty, 16% VAT and other levies of around 1% are cited in the packet — these are indicative figures only. Our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car given Venezuela's volatile policy environment.

Does Venezuela require left-hand-drive cars?

Yes. Venezuela drives on the right, so LHD vehicles are required. Japan's domestic stock is RHD, so we source only LHD-configured Japanese vehicles for Venezuelan buyers.

Cost to import a car from Japan to Venezuela

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

Venezuela drives on the right and requires LHD vehicles. On paper, import duty is approximately 20% and VAT is 16%, making the headline tariff rate one of the lower ones in South America — but in practice the import process for a Japanese used car is heavily constrained by Venezuela's regulatory environment. Import licensing, currency controls, sanctions exposure and payment logistics can make clearing a vehicle at Puerto Cabello highly unpredictable, and the rules and policy are subject to frequent change. When buyers ask about importing a car from Japan to Venezuela, AskJapanCars always recommends contacting our team for a current status check before any sourcing begins — broker confirmation and eligibility assessment are essential given the volatile regulatory context.

Main ports: Puerto Cabello
Import age rule: Vehicle import rules and currency/customs procedures are volatile; broker confirmation required before quoting.
Steering: LHD
Duties & taxes: Approx. duty 20%, VAT 16%, other levies 1% on the imported value. Placeholder only; tariff depends on HS, policy and importer eligibility.

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Estimate only — duties, freight and last-mile delivery vary and policies change. Our team confirms exact, current figures on WhatsApp before any bid.

How to import a car from Japan to Venezuela

Contact our team for a current status check
Given Venezuela's volatile import environment, the first step is a conversation with our team to confirm current import licensing requirements, payment feasibility and logistics constraints before any vehicle is sourced.
Confirm eligibility and licensing
An import licence or authorization from the relevant Venezuelan authority is required. Our team liaises with a local customs broker to establish what is currently possible for your category of vehicle.
Source the vehicle in Japan
Once feasibility is confirmed, we use licensed USS auction access to find the right LHD-configured car, read the full auction sheet and verify condition before bidding.
Ocean shipping to Puerto Cabello
Puerto Cabello is Venezuela's main vehicle import port. We book the car onto a vessel, track the shipment and send you schedule updates.
Customs clearance and duty payment
Our team co-ordinates with a licensed Venezuelan customs broker to handle clearance, paying approximately 20% duty, 16% VAT and other levies, and release the car for registration.

Import duties & taxes in Venezuela explained

Venezuela's headline import duty is approximately 20%, VAT is approximately 16%, and other levies around 1% may apply — these are placeholder figures only. The actual tariff depends on the HS classification, the importer's authorisation category and current policy. Venezuela's regulatory and payment environment is volatile, so these rates should be treated as indicative. Our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Venezuela

Honda Fit
A practical, fuel-efficient hatchback with a low purchase price — keeping the CIF value down limits exposure to Venezuela's 20% duty and 16% VAT stack.
See prices
Mazda Demio
Compact and well-finished at a modest price — for buyers who want reliable Japanese quality without a high imported value raising the duty base.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
Light and economical with predictable maintenance needs — a lower-cost option that keeps the total landed bill contained in a high-uncertainty import market.
See prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
Reliable and widely understood — for a Venezuelan buyer who wants a dependable family sedan with proven parts availability and strong resale recognition.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Venezuela

Puerto Cabello — You are at the port — sedan delivery runs about $100.
Valencia — Delivery from Puerto Cabello to Valencia adds roughly $160 for a sedan.
La Guaira — Delivery from Puerto Cabello to La Guaira adds roughly $220 for a sedan.
Caracas — Delivery from Puerto Cabello to Caracas adds roughly $220 for a sedan.
Barquisimeto — Delivery from Puerto Cabello to Barquisimeto adds roughly $240 for a sedan.
Maracaibo — Delivery from Puerto Cabello to Maracaibo adds roughly $400 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import a car from Japan to Venezuela?: In principle yes, but Venezuela's import licensing, currency controls and payment logistics make the process highly uncertain. We recommend contacting our team first for a current status check before any vehicle is sourced.
What import duty applies in Venezuela?: Approximately 20% import duty, 16% VAT and other levies of around 1% are cited in the packet — these are indicative figures only. Our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car given Venezuela's volatile policy environment.
Does Venezuela require left-hand-drive cars?: Yes. Venezuela drives on the right, so LHD vehicles are required. Japan's domestic stock is RHD, so we source only LHD-configured Japanese vehicles for Venezuelan buyers.