🇧🇴 Do you need an IDP to drive in Bolivia?

Yes — to drive in Bolivia you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Bolivia recognises IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. The UK FCDO states you need both a 1949 International Driving Permit and your national driving licence in the car to drive in Bolivia. The IDP cannot be bought outside the UK, so obtain it before travel. Road travel can be dangerous due to poor road conditions, low driving standards and occasional fuel shortages.

A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Bolivia read your licence, but where Bolivia requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.

Carry your national licence plus the 1949 IDP for the rental desk; factor fuel shortages and altitude into trip planning.

Bolivia recognises IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Make sure your IDP is issued by your own country's authorised issuer under the matching convention.

Because Bolivia follows the 1949 Geneva Convention, an IDP is valid for one year from its date of issue. The permit is only valid alongside your original national licence, and it cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one from your home country's authorised issuer when it lapses.