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World Driving Permit

🇸🇳 Do you need an IDP to drive in Senegal?

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 Senegal, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Senegal 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 Senegal: the rule explained

Senegal permits foreign tourists to drive on a valid national licence with an IDP for up to six months. As a francophone state under the 1968 Vienna framework, the 1968-model IDP is appropriate; it is strongly recommended and commonly required by rental agencies and at police checkpoints. Driving is on the right and the blood-alcohol limit is effectively zero.

Renting a car in Senegal

Most rental companies require an IDP in addition to the national licence, plus passport and a deposit.

Motorcycles & scooters: Ensure your motorcycle entitlement is endorsed on the licence and the IDP.

What to carry when driving in Senegal

  • 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
  • Passport
  • Carry IDP 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.

Senegal: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Senegal?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Senegal, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Senegal 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. Senegal permits foreign tourists to drive on a valid national licence with an IDP for up to six months. As a francophone state under the 1968 Vienna framework, the 1968-model IDP is appropriate; it is strongly recommended and commonly required by rental agencies and at police checkpoints. Driving is on the right and the blood-alcohol limit is effectively zero.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Senegal?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Senegal read your licence, but where Senegal 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 Senegal?
Most rental companies require an IDP in addition to the national licence, plus passport and a deposit.
Which IDP convention does Senegal use?
Senegal 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 Senegal?
Because Senegal 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 Senegal from your country

Requirements for other countries