Skip to content
World Driving Permit

🇨🇮 Do you need an IDP to drive in Côte d'Ivoire?

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

Short answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Côte d'Ivoire, even where it is not always strictly enforced. Carry it alongside your original national licence.

Driving in Côte d'Ivoire: the rule explained

Côte d'Ivoire is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention (and recognises 1949 IDPs), allowing tourists to drive on a valid IDP plus their national licence for up to 12 months. As a francophone country, an IDP and/or French translation is practically important. Most rental firms require an IDP.

Renting a car in Côte d'Ivoire

Rental companies generally require both an IDP and the national licence; chauffeur-driven hire is common in Abidjan.

Motorcycles & scooters: Motorcycles and scooters are widely used; carry the correct licence category and wear a helmet.

What to carry when driving in Côte d'Ivoire

  • 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
  • 1968 IDP plus national licence (French translation helps)
  • Carry documents for checkpoints

Check your exact trip

Get a tailored answer for your licence country, dates and vehicle.

Translation companion

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

Côte d'Ivoire: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Côte d'Ivoire?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Côte d'Ivoire, even where it is not always strictly enforced. Carry it alongside your original national licence. Côte d'Ivoire is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention (and recognises 1949 IDPs), allowing tourists to drive on a valid IDP plus their national licence for up to 12 months. As a francophone country, an IDP and/or French translation is practically important. Most rental firms require an IDP.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Côte d'Ivoire?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Côte d'Ivoire read your licence, but it does not replace an IDP where one is legally required. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Côte d'Ivoire?
Rental companies generally require both an IDP and the national licence; chauffeur-driven hire is common in Abidjan.
Which IDP convention does Côte d'Ivoire use?
Côte d'Ivoire 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.

Official sources

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

Requirements for other countries