Al Mellah International Shipping (0580402747) ships cars from Riyadh to Algeria on a hydraulic flatbed or enclosed carrier to Jeddah Islamic Port, then by sea, RoRo or in a container, through the Suez Canal to Oran, Algiers, Bejaia, Annaba or Skikda, in 4 to 7 weeks. But before any price we ask one question that decides everything: will the car enter in the name of an Algerian resident, or under a change-of-residence certificate as a final returnee?
Shipping a car to Algeria differs from every other destination: strict rules on car age and fuel type, a clear distinction between a resident importer and a final returnee, and an outright refusal of diesel cars for individuals. So the costliest mistake isn’t choosing the shipping company, it’s shipping a car that isn’t allowed in. This guide starts with the conditions, then the route and prices.
✅ Will your car be accepted in Algeria?
| Case | Usual conditions | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Importer resident in Algeria | 3 years old or less, petrol, hybrid or electric, once every 3 years, personal use | Diesel isn’t accepted for individuals |
| Final returnee with a change-of-residence certificate | Within the certificate’s privileges and conditions | Sources report the 2026 finance law raised the accepted age to 5 years; confirm with the embassy |
| Diesel or over-age car | Not accepted for individuals | Better sold in Riyadh |
| What we don’t accept for shipping | Reason |
|---|---|
| A diesel car for an individual | Not allowed in |
| A car over the permitted age for your case | It will be refused at the port |
| A car with an unreleased lien | No export plates can be issued |
| A resident’s car within 3 years of a previous import | Exceeds the time limit |
🚢 RoRo or container to Algeria?
| Method | Advantages | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| RoRo | Usually the best value for one car | An empty car when a sailing to Oran or Algiers is available |
| 20 ft container | Full protection and sealed until arrival | New and expensive hybrid cars |
| 40 ft container with furniture | One cost and one clearance file | A final returnee with a change-of-residence certificate |
A final returnee usually combines the car and furniture in one 40 ft container, because both come under the same change-of-residence file and are cleared together at the port.
💵 Price components
| Element | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Road transport | Hydraulic flatbed or enclosed carrier from Riyadh to Jeddah |
| Export | Export plates and certificate, Fasah authorisation and clearance in Jeddah |
| Sea | RoRo or container to the arrival port |
| Clearance in Algeria | Via an agent at the port; Algerian duties depend on your case |
| Inland transport | From the port to your wilaya if requested |
We give you a specific figure after checking the car’s acceptance and knowing the method, arrival port and date.
How to get the lowest cost
🛣️ The car’s journey from Riyadh to Algeria
| Step | Where | Approx. duration |
|---|---|---|
| Checking year and fuel | With our team via a photo of the registration | Hours |
| Lien release and fines | The bank and Absher | Depends on the case |
| Export plates and certificate | Riyadh traffic | One to two days |
| Transport to Jeddah port | Hydraulic flatbed or carrier | 2–3 days |
| Fasah declaration and booking | Jeddah Islamic Port | 3–7 days |
| Sailing and clearance | The arrival port nearest your wilaya | 4–6 weeks |
⚓ The arrival port nearest your wilaya
| Your wilaya | Arrival port |
|---|---|
| Oran, Tlemcen, Sidi Bel Abbes and Mostaganem | Oran |
| Algiers, Blida, Tipaza and Boumerdes | Algiers |
| Setif, Bejaia, Tizi Ouzou and Bouira | Bejaia |
| Constantine, Jijel and Mila | Djen Djen or Skikda |
| Annaba, Guelma and El Tarf | Annaba |
| Southern wilayas | The nearest port, then a long road leg |
🔑 Preparing the car in Riyadh
🔋 Hybrid and electric cars
Since diesel is banned for individuals, many Algerians in Riyadh are turning to hybrid and electric cars. For electric cars we ask for the battery at 30–50%, the charger and cables with your belongings, and transport mode set per the manufacturer’s manual, and we tell the sea carrier the battery type in advance.
🛡️ Marine insurance
A trip of over a month across a long road, the sea and port handling deserves marine insurance on the value you declare, from loading in Riyadh to delivery in Algeria. We photograph the car before sealing the container or boarding the vessel.
🇩🇿 After clearance: the grey card in Algeria
| Step | What you need |
|---|---|
| Customs documents | The customs clearance certificate from the port |
| Technical inspection | At an approved vehicle inspection centre |
| Insurance | From an Algerian insurer |
| Grey card | From the wilaya services with customs documents and ID |
A resident who has imported a car can’t import another for three years, so keep the clearance documents. We store the car near the port if you need time to complete your file.
🛋️ The car with return furniture
In a 40 ft container the car is secured at the front with straps and chocks, then a timber partition, then the numbered furniture, so both come under the change-of-residence certificate and are cleared together. Furniture details are in the guide to shipping from Riyadh to Algeria.
📄 Documents
| Document | Resident importer | Final returnee |
|---|---|---|
| Registration or owner’s authorisation | ✔ | ✔ |
| Export plates and export certificate | ✔ | ✔ |
| Algerian passport | ✔ | ✔ |
| Change-of-residence certificate | — | ✔ |
| Purchase invoice | ✔ | If available |
| Fasah authorisation and bill of lading | ✔ | ✔ |
🚫 Prohibitions
🏁 Delivery and tracking
We send you the container or sailing number and notices at sailing, arrival and clearance, then the car is delivered at the port or moved to your wilaya. We compare its condition with the loading photos before you sign.
⚠️ Common mistakes
⚖️ How to choose a car shipping company from Riyadh to Algeria
🔁 From Algeria to Riyadh
We also ship cars from Algeria to Riyadh, taking into account the Kingdom’s used-car import rules, SABER platform requirements and 15% VAT.
❓ FAQ: car shipping from Riyadh to Algeria
❓ How much does it cost to ship a car from Riyadh to Algeria?
By quote after checking the car’s acceptance, depending on the method (RoRo or container) and arrival port, including transport to Jeddah.
❓ How long does car shipping to Algeria take?
4 to 7 weeks door to door.
❓ Can a diesel car be shipped?
Not for individuals; it’s better sold in Riyadh.
❓ What car age is allowed for a resident?
Usually 3 years or less, once every 3 years; for returnees it depends on the change-of-residence certificate.
❓ Can the car be shipped with furniture?
Yes, in a 40 ft container, which suits final returnees best.
❓ Which port for Setif?
Usually Bejaia.
Send a photo of the registration, your case (resident or returnee) and your wilaya, and we’ll check acceptance and send a quote.
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