Temporary Import of a Motorhome – Rules by Destination

At a glance

• USA: up to 1 year, EPA nonresident exemption, no carnet.
• Canada: up to 12 months as a visitor, no carnet.
• South Africa: declared to SARS for a Temporary Import Permit; carnet for vehicles from outside the Southern African Customs Union.
• Uruguay: 1 year from entry, no carnet.
• Argentina: up to 8 months, extendable, no carnet.
• Australia: up to 12 months, carnet required.
• New Zealand: up to 12 months, carnet or refundable cash deposit.

Every one of them expects the motorhome to leave again: a temporarily imported vehicle cannot be sold or left behind. Your quote confirms the documents for your trip.

USA

A visitor can bring a motorhome in for personal use for up to one year from entry, or until leaving the USA, whichever comes first, under the EPA nonresident exemption, with form HS-7 and EPA form 3520-1 at clearance. There is no extension, driving into Canada or Mexico does not count as exporting it, and it cannot be sold in the USA. When it ships home, a vehicle that came in this way is exempt from the standard US export filing (US Customs and Border Protection). Motorhome shipping to the USA

Canada

A visitor brings their own vehicle into Canada without a formal declaration and can keep it for up to 12 months. Only the visitor who brought it in may drive it. Motorhome shipping to Canada

South Africa

Since 1 June 2026 every foreign-registered vehicle entering South Africa must be declared to SARS and gets a Temporary Import Permit (SARS). A vehicle from outside the Southern African Customs Union normally travels on a Carnet de Passages; without one, a security is needed at the border (SARS carnet policy). Motorhome shipping to South Africa

Uruguay and Argentina

Uruguay admits a tourist’s vehicle for one year from entry (Decree 477/984); overstaying is fined USD 20 a day. Argentina gives up to 8 months, extendable when immigration extends your own stay, and asks for civil liability insurance valid in Argentina (ARCA). Neither uses a carnet. Motorhome shipping to Uruguay and Argentina

Australia and New Zealand

Australia lets a tourist import a road vehicle temporarily only on a Carnet de Passages, for up to 12 months (Australian Border Force). New Zealand takes a carnet or a cash deposit equal to the full duty, refunded when the vehicle leaves within the year (New Zealand Customs). Both inspect every vehicle for biosecurity on arrival. Motorhome shipping to Australia and New Zealand

Questions motorhome owners ask

Do I need a carnet de passages for my motorhome?

Only for some destinations. Australia requires one for a tourist’s vehicle, South Africa uses one for vehicles from outside the Southern African Customs Union, and New Zealand accepts one instead of a cash deposit. The USA, Canada, Uruguay and Argentina do not use a carnet.

How long can my motorhome stay in the USA?

Up to one year from entry under the EPA nonresident exemption, or until you leave the USA, whichever comes first, with no extension.

How long can my motorhome stay in Canada?

Up to 12 months for a visitor, and only the visitor who brought it in may drive it.

How long can my motorhome stay in Australia or New Zealand?

Up to 12 months in both. Australia needs a carnet; New Zealand takes a carnet or a refundable cash deposit for the full duty.

How long can my motorhome stay in Uruguay and Argentina?

One year from entry in Uruguay, and up to 8 months in Argentina, extendable if immigration extends your own stay.

Can I sell my motorhome at the end of the trip?

No. A temporarily imported motorhome must leave the country again; selling it would make it a permanent import with duty and vehicle standards to meet.

Who checks which documents my trip needs?

We do, with your quote: tell us your destination, how long you are staying and which neighbouring countries you plan to visit.