Car import Russia question
 

Hi. UK driver, applying for multi-entry business visa, driving a Uk registered car into Russia across to Vladivostok. I would like to continue as a foot-passenger on the ferry to Japan. Would there be a problem me leaving Russia without the car? I'm assuming passport and car details will be linked on their system.

Ideally, I'd like to sell it in Vladivostok, but I've been told the paperwork is extensive - didn't say impossible though. Does anyone know what it involves and how much does it cost? What happens if I just sell it for spares and leave? Any comments welcome. Thanks.

Edit: Just found some info on imports - seems the duties work out at 1500 euros for my old car.

Mr teflon,
Importing a car into russia and then selling it is not something I'd recommend. The locals probably have it down to a fine art but foreigners will end up wasting so much time trying to achieve so little. It is easy to temporarily import a car and use it in russia BUT as you have surmised, the trick is to leave without either the car or anyone noticing. The entry stamp in your passport will betray how you arrived as it will have a little picture of a car on it though it doesn't prove it was your car - you might just have been a passenger. However, the car will be known to Russian Customs and they will have your passport details, buried deepn inside their computers - yes they do have them. And you will be travelling around with a customs document called a 'vremmeni vosd' which is a temporary import certificate which you will have to extend because on entry you only get 10 working days. No-one has posted ever successfully abandoning a car in Russia so I honestly can't say if you are running risks. It's not something I'd do - and never knowing whether you'd come into contact with the customs again at some point.
I do recommend looking at the talklounge forum on WayToRussia.Net - A Guide to Russia and Travel Services Directory - Moscow and St. Petersburg Guide, Trans-Siberian, Baikal, Russian visa, apartment rentals and more
I f you need any specific advice on teh temporary import procedure or other documents ask on the forum there - I post as DITTRICH over there and some of my posts will be relevant to you.
Don't bother trying to permanently import your car.
Rgds
Les

The info about the 'little car' stamp is useful - thanks.

The symbol on the Passport stamp (car, aircraft, train, ship) is indicitave of the type of border crossing of entry and exit. Nothing more - not even hinting if you were sitting in the driving seat of the car/bike/airplane/train/boat or in a passenger seat - paying or not.

Their Computor system is magnificent in its availability and coverage. My own Visa, Passport, entry/exits, Migration Card, Registration, were all checked out in a Militsia or Security (not the usual Road Police - proper stuff) deep in the North Caucuses, but significantly close to Chechnya/Dagestan. Within a minute they re-emerged from their hut saying everything was OK and handed my papers back, wishing me a good journey.

The Vehicle Temporary Import Certificate has a validity expiry date based on information provided (and accepted) by Customs on entry - backed up with Visa information and Insurance period purchased.

Later this month I plan leaving RUS shortly, leaving the bike there for a short time within its validity period there, as I fly back to UK for a Son's wedding. I, and my RUS companion, do not anticipate any problems - particularly as I will have a return air ticket back to Moscow within 2 weeks. And then plan riding south again.

Anyone KNOW better?

Car's not worth much (paid £60) so not fussed about a few days spent sorting paperwork, it's only the cost that bothers me. There's still time to find out EXACTLY what's involved and how much. If I do, I'll post it up for reference.

I could always detour back to Mongolia and swop it for a camel though. :cowboy: