Scenic landscapes of Aerial view of Panama, Beliza, Beach on the west cost of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

Removals to Central America from the UK

Professional Door-to-Door Moving Services to Central America

  • Door-to-door removals to Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras & Nicaragua
  • Shared container and full container shipping options
  • Professional export packing and palletised shipping
  • Customs support and documentation guidance
  • Dedicated Move Manager throughout your move
  • Over 25 years of international removals experience
BAR registered Est. 1997 4.5/5 Excellent on Trustpilot
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UK to Central America Removals: Destinations, Costs and What's Included

Moving from the UK to Central America requires careful planning, especially when you are shipping household goods, furniture, boxes or personal belongings overseas.

At 1st Move International, we provide professional door-to-door removals to Central America, including UK collection, export packing, sea freight, customs support and onward delivery at destination.

We help customers move to Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua, with services available for smaller personal shipments, part-home moves and full household relocations. We also provide international removal services to Panama, which is covered in more detail on our dedicated Panama removals page.

Whether you are retiring overseas, relocating for work, joining family or starting a new life abroad, our experienced team of packers, customs specialists and move managers will guide you through the process from your first quote through to final delivery.

Get your free Central America removals quote today

Central America Removals Destinations We Cover

We provide removals services from the UK to a wide range of Central American destinations, including:

Country Popular destination areas
Belize Belize City, Belmopan, San Ignacio, Orange Walk, Corozal, Dangriga and San Pedro Town
Costa Rica San Jose, Puerto Limon, Alajuela, Liberia, Puntarenas, San Isidro and Curridabat
El Salvador San Salvador, Soyapango, Santa Ana, San Miguel, Santa Tecla, Apopa and Delgado
Honduras Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, Choloma, El Progreso, Comayagua and Puerto Cortes
Nicaragua Managua, Leon, Masaya, Chinandega, Matagalpa, Esteli and Granada
Panama Covered on our dedicated Panama removals page

How Much Do Removals to Central America Cost?

Moving costs are based on several factors including your UK collection point, total volume of goods you want to ship, values for insurance and ultimately where you are moving to and the distance from the arrival port.

Small moves, some boxes and suitcases can start from around £700.

For an accurate price we always recommend requesting a tailored quote. This allows us to calculate the volume of your move, confirm the destination route and include the services you need, such as UK collection, professional packing, shipping, customs support and final delivery.

Get Your Removals Quote to Central America

To get a removals quote for your move to Central America, complete our quote form or send us your details through our WhatsApp home survey by sending photos or videos of your items.

When you send your images, please include your UK collection point, destination in Central America and your email address so we can prepare and send your quote.

Easy home surveys via WhatsApp
Start Your WhatsApp Home Survey Get a Free Quote

Shipping Options to Central America

Shared Container Shipping

Shared container shipping is usually the most cost-effective option for smaller moves to Central America. Your belongings are professionally export packed, sealed onto individual pallets and shipped in a container with other consignments. The price you pay is based on the overall size of your pallet and the space that will take up inside the container.

This is ideal if you are moving boxes, bags, personal belongings or the contents of a small home. You only pay for the space your shipment uses, making it a practical option if you do not need a full container.

Our palletised packing system helps reduce unnecessary handling and keeps your goods protected throughout the journey.

Full Container Shipping

Full container shipping is best suited to larger household moves, usually the contents of a 3-bedroom home or more. After survey we can advise whether you will need a 20ft or 40ft container depending on what you are taking and the overall volume of your belongings.

With a full container service, your goods have sole use of the container. This is often the best option for customers shipping furniture, appliances and the contents of a family home.

Move size Typical shipping option Best for
Boxes and bags Shared container Personal effects, clothing, books and smaller items
Small move Shared container Boxes plus a few furniture items
Studio or 1-bed flat Shared container Smaller household moves
2-bed home Shared or full container Depends on volume and furniture
3-bed home 20ft container Full household moves
4-bed home or larger 40ft container Larger family relocations

How Long Does Shipping to Central America Take?

Transit times vary depending on the destination country, shipping route, port rotation, customs clearance and final delivery location. As a guide, here are the current port-to-port transit times:

Destination Typical port-to-port transit time
Costa Rica Around 22-24 days
Belize Around 35 days
Honduras Around 40 days
Nicaragua Around 41 days
El Salvador Around 42 days
Panama Around 20-21 days

These are port-to-port transit times, so you should also allow additional time for UK collection, professional packing, customs clearance and final delivery.

What is Included in Our Central America Removals Service?

  • Nationwide UK Collection. We collect from homes across the UK, whether you are moving from London, Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham, Scotland, Wales or anywhere in between.
  • Professional Export Packing. Your belongings are professionally packed for international shipping using export-grade materials. Furniture, boxes and personal effects are prepared for sea freight and long-distance handling.
  • Secure Palletised Shipping. Every shipment is carefully packed and sealed onto individual pallets, helping reduce handling and improve protection throughout the move.
  • Customs Support. Your Move Manager will help you prepare the documents usually required for customs clearance, including your inventory, passport copy, visa or residence documents where needed, and shipping paperwork.
  • Shipment Protection Options. We offer flexible shipment protection options, allowing you to choose the level of cover that suits your move.
  • Final Delivery. Once your goods have cleared customs, onward delivery can be arranged to your destination address, depending on the country, local access and delivery area.

Your Move Packed and Protected

Every Central America shipment is export wrapped and secured onto individual pallets using our shrink-fast system. Less handling and efficient loading and unloading help protect your belongings throughout the journey, from collection in the UK to arrival in Central America.

Read More About our Packing Process

After Before

Moving to Belize

Belize is a popular destination for customers moving from the UK, particularly those looking for an English-speaking environment, a slower pace of life or a long-term move overseas.

For removals to Belize, shipments usually arrive through the Port of Belize, also known as Belize City Port. Once your goods arrive, they will need to clear customs before collection or onward delivery. Delivery can be arranged to destinations including Belize City, San Ignacio, Orange Walk, Belmopan, Dangriga, Corozal and San Pedro Town.

Documents usually required for removals to Belize

  • Copy of your passport
  • Copy of your visa
  • Inventory list of imported goods
  • Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
  • Proof of residence in Belize

Belize nationals and those holding a Belizean Residency Permit may be able to import household goods free from customs duties if the goods have been owned for at least one year and are not intended for resale. Non-residents may be required to pay duty depending on the type of goods being imported. See the official Belize Customs and Excise information.

Moving to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most popular relocation destinations in Central America, attracting customers moving for retirement, work, lifestyle and family reasons.

For removals to Costa Rica, shipments usually route through Puerto Limon or San Jose. Once your goods arrive, customs clearance is handled locally before onward delivery can be arranged. Delivery areas include San Jose, Puerto Limon, San Francisco, Alajuela, Liberia, Paraiso, Puntarenas, San Isidro, Curridabat and San Vicente.

Typical port-to-port transit times of around 22 days to Puerto Limon or 24 days to San Jose from London Gateway. Additional time should be allowed for UK collection, packing and final delivery.

Documents usually required for removals to Costa Rica

  • Copy of your passport
  • Copy of your visa
  • Inventory list of imported goods
  • Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
  • Proof of residence in Costa Rica
  • Customs declaration form

Costa Rica applies import duties and sales tax to many goods entering the country, including personal effects. Customers moving with a temporary or permanent residence visa may qualify for relief if they can prove the items have been owned for at least six months. Customs clearance can take up to 22 days after arrival.

For more information on customs procedures in Costa Rica please visit official customs website.

Moving to El Salvador

For removals to El Salvador, shipments usually arrive through the Port of Acajutla before customs clearance and onward delivery.

Typical port-to-port transit time of around 42 days from London Gateway to Acajutla. You should also allow time for UK collection, packing, customs clearance and final delivery.

After customs clearance, delivery can be arranged to destinations including San Salvador, Soyapango, Santa Ana, San Miguel, Mejicanos, Santa Tecla, Apopa and Delgado.

Documents usually required for removals to El Salvador

  • Copy of your passport, including visa page
  • Valid residence or work permit
  • Bill of Lading
  • Inventory list
  • Customs declaration form
  • Proof of accommodation in El Salvador (Certificate of Residence)

Returning El Salvador citizens may be able to import household goods and personal effects duty-free if the items are used and have been owned for at least six months. Foreign citizens and residents may be subject to customs duties and VAT.

For more information on El Salvador customs formalities please visit the official customs website.

Moving to Honduras

For removals to Honduras, shipments usually arrive through Puerto Cortes, which is the main ocean freight port for the country.

Typical port-to-port transit time of around 40 days from London Gateway to Puerto Cortes. You should also allow additional time for collection, export packing, customs clearance and final delivery.

Once cleared, delivery can be arranged to destinations including Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, Choloma, La Ceiba, El Progreso, Ciudad Choluteca, Comayagua, Puerto Cortes, La Lima and Danli.

Documents usually required for removals to Honduras

  • Copy of your passport, including visa page
  • Residency documents or proof of visa
  • Bill of Lading
  • Inventory list
  • Customs declaration form

Honduran citizens, returning residents and new residents may be able to import household goods and personal effects duty-free, provided residency status can be proven and the items have been owned for at least six months. Non-residents may face customs duties and sales tax.

For more information on Honduras customs formalities please visit the official customs website.

Moving to Nicaragua

For removals to Nicaragua, shipments usually route to Managua before customs clearance and onward delivery.

Typical port-to-port transit time of around 41 days from London Gateway to Managua. You should also allow time for UK collection, packing and final delivery in Nicaragua.

Once cleared through customs, delivery can be arranged to destinations including Managua, Leon, Masaya, Chinandega, Matagalpa, Esteli, Granada, Jinotega, El Viejo and Nueva Guinea.

Documents usually required for removals to Nicaragua

  • Copy of your passport, including visa page
  • Residency permit documents or proof of visa
  • Bill of Lading
  • Inventory list
  • Customs declaration form

New residents and returning nationals may be able to import used personal items and household goods without customs duties if they have the correct residency documents. Temporary residents or those without residency status may be subject to duties and VAT/IVA.

Be prepared: original documentation must be presented to customs at least 10 days before vessel arrival to avoid expensive storage charges.

For more information on Nicaragua customs formalities please visit the official customs website.

Removals to Panama

We also provide removals to Panama from the UK, including shared container and full container shipping options.

For more detailed information, including Panama-specific documents, customs rules, transit times and delivery areas, visit our dedicated Panama removals page.

View our Panama removals service

Customs Clearance for Central America

Clearing Customs in Central America

Each Central American country has its own customs rules for importing household goods and personal effects. In most cases, customs authorities will want to see proof that the goods are used personal belongings and not items being imported for resale.

The documents commonly required include:

  • Copy of your passport
  • Visa, residence permit or proof of right to live in the destination country
  • Detailed inventory of the goods being shipped
  • Bill of Lading or shipping documents
  • Customs declaration forms
  • Proof of residence or destination address
  • Additional documents depending on the country and your residency status

Customs duties and taxes vary by country, residency status and the age or value of the goods. Returning nationals and new residents may qualify for certain reliefs in some countries, but this depends on local rules and supporting documentation.

Your Move Manager will advise what is normally required for your destination and help you prepare the paperwork before your shipment leaves the UK.

Why Choose 1st Move International?

  • Faster Shipping. Our regular shipping services help reduce waiting times, especially for smaller shared container moves that might otherwise be delayed until enough freight is available.
  • Safer Packing. Every shipment is professionally export packed and secured for international shipping. Our palletised packing process helps reduce handling and protect your belongings throughout the journey.
  • Smarter Pricing. Your move is priced according to the size, destination and service requirements of your shipment. For smaller moves, shared container shipping means you only pay for the space you use.
  • Dedicated Move Manager. You will have a single point of contact throughout the move, helping with planning, paperwork, shipping updates and destination arrangements.
  • Experienced International Removals Team. We have more than 25 years experience helping customers move overseas, including household removals, personal effects shipping, furniture shipping and full container relocations.
1st Move Partners and Associations

Get Your Central America Removals Quote

To get a quote for your move to Central America, complete our quick quote form or send us your details through our WhatsApp home survey.

Please include:

  • Your UK collection town or city
  • Your destination country and town or city
  • Approximate move date
  • A brief list of what you are moving
  • Photos of furniture or larger items, if using WhatsApp

We will then prepare a tailored removals quote based on your destination, shipment size and service requirements.

Central America Removals FAQs

Yes. We can arrange collection from your UK address, professional export packing, sea freight shipping, customs support and onward delivery in Central America, depending on your destination and local access.

We provide removals services to Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. We also provide removals to Panama, which is covered on a dedicated Panama removals page.

For smaller moves, shared container shipping is usually the most cost-effective option. Your goods share container space with other shipments, and you only pay for the space your belongings use.

Yes. We can ship furniture, boxes, personal effects and full household contents to Central America. Furniture should be professionally export packed and listed clearly on your inventory for customs clearance.

Transit times vary by country and route. As a guide, current route examples range from around 22-24 days to Costa Rica, 35 days to Belize and around 40-42 days to Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador. Panama is usually shorter, at around 20-21 days port-to-port.

You will usually need a passport copy, visa or residence documents, inventory list, Bill of Lading, customs declaration forms and proof of residence or accommodation. Requirements vary by country.

This depends on the country, your residency status, the type of goods and how long you have owned them. Used household goods may qualify for relief in some countries, but duties and taxes can still apply.

Yes. Once your shipment has left the UK, you will be provided with tracking details so you can follow the progress of your shipment.

Look for the Badge. We are a BAR registered mover.

As a BAR member, our company has been rigorously vetted and subject to regular audits to ensure we meet their strict quality guidelines when moving personal effects overseas. This includes financial stability, full regulatory compliance, and adhering to the BAR's strict code of practice when dealing with our customers and all aspects of relocating their goods worldwide.

Your Move Packed.
Posted Live on Facebook.

Your life, carefully wrapped, beautifully packed, and protected for the journey ahead.

We are extremely proud of our unique packing process. We are the only moving company in the UK that uses this tried and tested method to ship your treasured personal possessions overseas.

Visit our Facebook page to find a snapshot of each shipment captured as the final pallet is wrapped.
Photos of all international removals shipments are posted immediately to Facebook and shared with you once packed.