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World Driving Permit

🇹🇳 Do you need an IDP to drive in Tunisia?

IDP recommended· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 17 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 Tunisia, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Tunisia 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 Tunisia: the rule explained

Tunisia is a 1968 Vienna Convention country. UK FCDO states a visitor may drive for up to one year with a 1968 IDP carried alongside the home licence. A national licence is widely accepted in practice for short stays, but an IDP (or an official Arabic/French translation) is strongly advised, particularly for non-Latin-script licences and at police checkpoints.

Exemption: A national licence is commonly accepted for short stays; an IDP/translation is recommended rather than strictly mandated.

Renting a car in Tunisia

Rental agencies generally accept a national licence for short tourist hires; carry a 1968 IDP and proof of insurance (green card) to avoid issues.

Motorcycles & scooters: Non-resident motorcyclists over 49cc are issued a temporary circulation permit by customs at the border.

What to carry when driving in Tunisia

  • 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
  • Carry a 1968 IDP or official Arabic/French translation with your licence
  • Carry a green card / insurance proof
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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.

Tunisia: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Tunisia?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Tunisia, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Tunisia 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. Tunisia is a 1968 Vienna Convention country. UK FCDO states a visitor may drive for up to one year with a 1968 IDP carried alongside the home licence. A national licence is widely accepted in practice for short stays, but an IDP (or an official Arabic/French translation) is strongly advised, particularly for non-Latin-script licences and at police checkpoints.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Tunisia?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Tunisia read your licence, but where Tunisia 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 Tunisia?
Rental agencies generally accept a national licence for short tourist hires; carry a 1968 IDP and proof of insurance (green card) to avoid issues.
Which IDP convention does Tunisia use?
Tunisia 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 Tunisia?
Because Tunisia 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 Tunisia from your country

Requirements for other countries