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World Driving Permit

🇲🇬 Do you need an IDP to drive in Madagascar?

IDP recommended· the 1949 Geneva Convention· Last reviewed 18 Jun 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
1 year from issue

Short answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Madagascar, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Madagascar 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.

Driving in Madagascar: the rule explained

The UK FCDO advises carrying both the correct version of the International Driving Permit and your national licence when driving in Madagascar. An IDP is not mandated for every foreign driver, but most rental agencies and police checks expect one, especially for non-French-language licences; Madagascar is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention. Road conditions are often poor with hazardous night driving.

Renting a car in Madagascar

Tourists can sometimes rent on a foreign licence, but 4x4 and long-distance agencies usually want an IDP plus the national licence; many travellers hire a car with a driver.

Motorcycles & scooters: Same IDP-plus-licence guidance applies to motorcycles on poorly maintained rural roads.

What to carry when driving in Madagascar

  • 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
  • 1949 IDP recommended (carry with national licence)
  • Avoid driving at night
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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.

Madagascar: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Madagascar?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Madagascar, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Madagascar 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. The UK FCDO advises carrying both the correct version of the International Driving Permit and your national licence when driving in Madagascar. An IDP is not mandated for every foreign driver, but most rental agencies and police checks expect one, especially for non-French-language licences; Madagascar is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention. Road conditions are often poor with hazardous night driving.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Madagascar?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Madagascar read your licence, but where Madagascar 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 Madagascar?
Tourists can sometimes rent on a foreign licence, but 4x4 and long-distance agencies usually want an IDP plus the national licence; many travellers hire a car with a driver.
Which IDP convention does Madagascar use?
Madagascar 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 Madagascar?
Because Madagascar 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 Madagascar from your country

Requirements for other countries