Carnet de Passages en Douane, commonly referred to as a carnet, is the most essential document for taking your vehicle across international borders.
For driving enthusiasts and adventure seekers, the thrill of hitting the open road to explore foreign lands is unmatched. However, many are unaware of the critical documents needed to make such a journey possible. The Carnet de Passages en Douane, commonly referred to as a carnet, is the most essential document for taking your vehicle across international borders. It acts as a passport for your vehicle, allowing seamless travel through multiple countries and continents. This report explains what a carnet is and how to obtain it for an epic road trip, such as one from India to London. By simplifying customs procedures, the carnet ensures your vehicle crosses borders without the burden of hefty duties or the risk of seizure.
Why Carnet is a crucial document
The Carnet de Passages en Douane is an international customs document that enables the temporary importation of vehicles into foreign countries without requiring payment of import duties or taxes. It is a booklet with detachable pages that customs officials stamp at entry and exit points to confirm that the vehicle will be re-exported within a set period, typically 6 to 12 months. Managed by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Alliance Internationale de Tourisme (AIT), the carnet is recognized in over 80 countries worldwide. For a road trip from India to London, it is indispensable in countries with strict customs regulations, such as Myanmar, China, and Uzbekistan, where traveling without a carnet can lead to significant challenges.
The importance of a carnet lies in its ability to exempt travelers from customs duties, which can sometimes exceed the vehicle’s value. Without it, customs authorities may suspect the vehicle is being imported for sale, potentially leading to seizure or costly penalties. The carnet also streamlines border crossings by providing a standardized document that reduces processing time and minimizes legal complications. This is particularly crucial in countries like Myanmar or China, where strict regulations make a carnet mandatory for vehicle entry.
How to obtain Carnet?
To obtain a carnet in India, you must contact the Automobile Association of India (AAI) or the Western India Automobile Association (WIAA). The application process involves submitting key documents, including a valid passport, vehicle registration certificate, international driving permit, detailed vehicle information, your travel itinerary, and international motor insurance covering all countries on your route. Additionally, you’ll need to pay a non-refundable processing fee and a refundable security deposit, which varies depending on the vehicle’s value and can be provided as a bank guarantee or demand draft. Since processing can take 2 to 4 weeks, it’s recommended to apply at least three months before your departure. After completing your trip, submitting the stamped carnet to the issuing authority ensures the return of your deposit, provided all stamps are accurate.
For a journey to London, the carnet is mandatory in countries like Myanmar, China, and Uzbekistan due to their stringent customs rules, which make vehicle entry without it nearly impossible. In countries like Russia and Kazakhstan, it is recommended to ease border procedures, though alternative temporary import documents may sometimes be accepted. Countries such as Thailand, Laos, and Schengen nations like Germany or France do not require a carnet, as they accept other documents for temporary vehicle importation. The United Kingdom also does not mandate a carnet for temporary vehicle entry. Ensure your carnet has enough pages, as each country requires stamps for both entry and exit.
Cost of a Carnet de Passages en Douane
The cost of a CPD varies based on the vehicle’s value, the number of countries, and the issuing authority:
• Processing Fee: In India, the AAI or WIAA charges ₹10,000–₹20,000 ($120–$240 USD) for a 25-page CPD, suitable for the India-to-London route. In the UK, CARS charges £238–£278 ($310–$360 USD) based on page count (carnetdepassage.org, 2025).
•Security Deposit: A refundable deposit, typically 100–150% of the vehicle’s current market value, acts as a guarantee against unpaid duties. For a ₹15 lakh ($18,000 USD) car in India, the deposit ranges from ₹15–22.5 lakh ($18,000–$27,000 USD), payable via bank guarantee, demand draft, or fixed deposit. For India, Iran, and Pakistan, the minimum deposit is ₹4.17 lakh ($5,000 USD) (WIAA, 2025).
Mandatory CPD Countries:
India: Required for Indian-registered vehicles exiting to Myanmar, with customs stamping the CPD at the Moreh-Tamu border
Myanmar: Mandatory for all foreign vehicles entering at Tamu or Myawaddy borders.
China: Requires a CPD and additional self-driving permits arranged through licensed travel agencies
Uzbekistan: Mandatory for temporary vehicle importation to avoid customs duties
CPD Not Required:
Thailand, Laos, Kyrgyzstan: These countries accept TIPs or require no specific documentation for short-term vehicle importation.
Schengen Countries (Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France): CPDs are not required for private vehicles under EU regulations, though they may be used for special vehicles like racing cars.
UK: No CPD is required for temporary vehicle importation.
Recommended CPD Countries:
Russia: Recommended for smoother customs clearance, though Temporary Import Permits (TIPs) may be accepted at some borders.
Kazakhstan: Recommended to simplify border procedures, but TIPs are often sufficient
To make your road trip smooth, plan carefully and take key precautions. Apply for the carnet well in advance and ensure all required documents are complete. At border crossings, confirm that customs officials stamp the carnet correctly, as errors could result in the loss of your deposit. For travel through China, secure a self-driving permit through a licensed travel agency in addition to the carnet. After your journey, submit the stamped carnet to the AAI or WIAA to reclaim your deposit. A road trip from India to London is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and the Carnet de Passages en Douane is your key to making it hassle-free. With thorough preparation and verified information, you can confidently embark on this epic journey and turn your travel dreams into reality.
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