🇬🇭 Do you need an IDP to drive in Ghana?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Ghana, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Ghana follows the 1949 Geneva 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. Ghana is a 1949 Geneva Convention country. UK FCDO states visitors may drive using the 1949 IDP (or a Ghanaian licence), and the privilege for short-term visitors is generally capped at 90 days. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) handles conversion for longer stays and requires non-English licences to be officially translated.

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

Rental agencies commonly require a 1949 IDP carried with the home licence for self-drive hire.

Ghana 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 Ghana 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.