Skip to content
World Driving Permit

🇸🇨 Do you need an IDP to drive in Seychelles?

IDP required· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 18 Jun 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires

Short answer

Yes — to drive in Seychelles you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Seychelles recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. 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 Seychelles: the rule explained

The UK FCDO states an International Driving Permit is required to drive in Seychelles, carried alongside your national licence. Seychelles is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and drives on the LEFT. Tourists' valid foreign licences are accepted for short visits (up to about 3 months) but the IDP is the formal requirement.

Renting a car in Seychelles

Rental companies routinely ask for an IDP plus the home licence and passport; minimum age is typically 21-25.

Motorcycles & scooters: An IDP covering the relevant category and a helmet are needed to hire a scooter or motorcycle.

What to carry when driving in Seychelles

  • 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
  • Remember left-hand driving
  • Carry passport at police checkpoints
Print / save this checklist (PDF)

Check your exact trip

Get a tailored answer for your licence country, dates and vehicle.

Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

Seychelles: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Seychelles?
Yes — to drive in Seychelles you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Seychelles recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. 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 states an International Driving Permit is required to drive in Seychelles, carried alongside your national licence. Seychelles is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and drives on the LEFT. Tourists' valid foreign licences are accepted for short visits (up to about 3 months) but the IDP is the formal requirement.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Seychelles?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Seychelles read your licence, but where Seychelles 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 Seychelles?
Rental companies routinely ask for an IDP plus the home licence and passport; minimum age is typically 21-25.
Which IDP convention does Seychelles use?
Seychelles 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 Seychelles?
Because Seychelles 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 Seychelles from your country

Requirements for other countries