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World Driving Permit

🇨🇲 Do you need an IDP to drive in Cameroon?

IDP recommended· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 18 Jun 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires

Short answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Cameroon, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Cameroon follows the 1968 Vienna Convention. Carry it alongside your original national licence. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required.

Driving in Cameroon: the rule explained

Cameroonian law lets visitors drive on their home licence for up to 3 months, after which a Cameroonian licence is needed. An IDP is not strictly mandated by law but is widely expected by rental firms and useful at checkpoints, especially as Cameroon is francophone. Cameroon is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention.

Renting a car in Cameroon

Rental companies in Douala, Yaoundé and Garoua generally require both a national licence and an IDP; minimum rental age is often 25.

Motorcycles & scooters: Commercial motorcycle taxis are common; private riders need the appropriate licence category.

What to carry when driving in Cameroon

  • 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
  • IDP plus national licence (French translation helps)
  • Carry ID and vehicle papers for frequent checkpoints
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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.

Cameroon: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Cameroon?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Cameroon, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Cameroon follows the 1968 Vienna Convention. Carry it alongside your original national licence. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. Cameroonian law lets visitors drive on their home licence for up to 3 months, after which a Cameroonian licence is needed. An IDP is not strictly mandated by law but is widely expected by rental firms and useful at checkpoints, especially as Cameroon is francophone. Cameroon is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Cameroon?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Cameroon read your licence, but where Cameroon requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Cameroon?
Rental companies in Douala, Yaoundé and Garoua generally require both a national licence and an IDP; minimum rental age is often 25.
Which IDP convention does Cameroon use?
Cameroon recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Make sure your IDP is issued by your own country's authorised issuer under the matching convention.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Cameroon?
Because Cameroon follows the 1968 Vienna Convention, an IDP is valid for up to three years, or until your national licence expires — whichever comes first. 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.

Official sources

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

Driving to Cameroon from your country

Requirements for other countries