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World Driving Permit

🇲🇺 Do you need an IDP to drive in Mauritius?

IDP usually not required· the 1949 Geneva Convention· Last reviewed 18 Jun 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
1 year from issue
Driving side
Left-hand

Short answer

Usually not — most visitors can drive in Mauritius on a valid national driving licence during a short tourist stay. For drivers who do carry one, Mauritius aligns with the 1949 Geneva Convention. A certified translation still makes police and rental checks smoother, especially for non-Latin-script licences.

Driving in Mauritius: the rule explained

Mauritius drives on the LEFT and recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention. Tourists may drive on a valid home licence (English-language licences, e.g. UK, accepted) for short stays of up to about 4 weeks; an IDP is needed beyond that or for non-Latin-script licences. The UK FCDO confirms a UK photocard licence can be used directly.

Exemption: Valid English-language/Latin-script licences accepted for stays up to ~4 weeks without an IDP.

Renting a car in Mauritius

Hire companies often impose stricter rules than the law — a minimum age, a year's experience, and sometimes an IDP.

Motorcycles & scooters: A motorcycle-category licence and helmet are required to hire a scooter or motorbike.

What to carry when driving in Mauritius

  • 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
  • Certified translation/IDP if licence in non-Latin script
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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.

Mauritius: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Mauritius?
Usually not — most visitors can drive in Mauritius on a valid national driving licence during a short tourist stay. For drivers who do carry one, Mauritius aligns with the 1949 Geneva Convention. A certified translation still makes police and rental checks smoother, especially for non-Latin-script licences. Mauritius drives on the LEFT and recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention. Tourists may drive on a valid home licence (English-language licences, e.g. UK, accepted) for short stays of up to about 4 weeks; an IDP is needed beyond that or for non-Latin-script licences. The UK FCDO confirms a UK photocard licence can be used directly.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Mauritius?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Mauritius read your licence, but where Mauritius 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 Mauritius?
Hire companies often impose stricter rules than the law — a minimum age, a year's experience, and sometimes an IDP.

Official sources

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

Driving to Mauritius from your country

Requirements for other countries