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World Driving Permit

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

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 Côte d'Ivoire, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Côte d'Ivoire 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 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
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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.

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; where one is used, Côte d'Ivoire 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. 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 where Côte d'Ivoire 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 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.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Côte d'Ivoire?
Because Côte d'Ivoire 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 Côte d’Ivoire from your country

Requirements for other countries