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World Driving Permit

🇹🇩 Do you need an IDP to drive in Chad?

Depends on your licence· the 1949 Geneva Convention· Last reviewed 18 Jun 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
1 year from issue

Short answer

It depends on the licence you hold — Chad accepts some foreign licences directly while others require an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Confirm the rule for your specific licence country before you travel. 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 Chad: the rule explained

The FCDO states you must convert your home licence to a Chadian licence to drive in Chad, so a foreign licence/IDP is only a stopgap. Chad honours the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all of Chad including N'Djamena, with a high carjacking risk on roads outside the capital. Carry an IDP and national licence if you drive.

Renting a car in Chad

Self-drive tourist hire is impractical; travel outside N'Djamena often requires Ministry of Interior authorisation and a police or military escort.

Motorcycles & scooters: Independent motorcycle travel is not advised due to crime and carjacking risk.

What to carry when driving in Chad

  • 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
  • Review FCDO advisory and obtain required permits/escort
  • Convert to a Chadian licence for any extended driving
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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.

Chad: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Chad?
It depends on the licence you hold — Chad accepts some foreign licences directly while others require an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Confirm the rule for your specific licence country before you travel. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. The FCDO states you must convert your home licence to a Chadian licence to drive in Chad, so a foreign licence/IDP is only a stopgap. Chad honours the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all of Chad including N'Djamena, with a high carjacking risk on roads outside the capital. Carry an IDP and national licence if you drive.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Chad?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Chad read your licence, but where Chad requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Chad?
Self-drive tourist hire is impractical; travel outside N'Djamena often requires Ministry of Interior authorisation and a police or military escort.
Which IDP convention does Chad use?
Chad 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.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Chad?
Because Chad 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.

Official sources

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

Driving to Chad from your country

Requirements for other countries