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World Driving Permit

🇬🇾 Do you need an IDP to drive in Guyana?

IDP usually not required· no specific convention· Last reviewed 18 Jun 2026

Short answer

Usually not — most visitors can drive in Guyana on a valid national driving licence during a short tourist stay. A certified translation can still make police and rental checks smoother, especially for non-Latin-script licences.

Driving in Guyana: the rule explained

Guyana drives on the LEFT and widely accepts English-language foreign licences for short visits; the UK government confirms a UK photocard licence can be used directly. After 60 days a visitor must buy a 4-week foreign driving permit locally to keep driving. Holders of older paper-style or non-photocard licences may need an IDP to clarify the entitlement.

Exemption: The UK government states a UK photocard licence can be used directly; English-language licences are broadly accepted for short stays without an IDP.

Renting a car in Guyana

Major rental companies generally accept a valid English-language home licence with passport; some may ask for an IDP, particularly for paper licences or licences not in English.

Motorcycles & scooters: Helmets are mandatory and the relevant motorcycle category must be present on the licence.

What to carry when driving in Guyana

  • Original driving license (physical card)
  • Passport with valid visa/entry stamp
  • Translation companion or certified translation of your license
  • Proof of insurance covering the destination
  • Passport
  • IDP only if your home licence is a paper licence or not in English

Check your exact trip

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Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

Guyana: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Guyana?
Usually not — most visitors can drive in Guyana on a valid national driving licence during a short tourist stay. A certified translation can still make police and rental checks smoother, especially for non-Latin-script licences. Guyana drives on the LEFT and widely accepts English-language foreign licences for short visits; the UK government confirms a UK photocard licence can be used directly. After 60 days a visitor must buy a 4-week foreign driving permit locally to keep driving. Holders of older paper-style or non-photocard licences may need an IDP to clarify the entitlement.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Guyana?
In Guyana a translation alone offers limited help — follow the IDP guidance above and always carry your original national licence.
What do I need to rent a car in Guyana?
Major rental companies generally accept a valid English-language home licence with passport; some may ask for an IDP, particularly for paper licences or licences not in English.

Official sources

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? See how to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Requirements for other countries