What License Do You Need to Drive in Vanuatu?
You're ready to hit the coastal roads of Efate or Santo, but what license is required to legally drive? For most visitors, your overseas licence will be just fine for renting and driving a car in Vanuatu LINK#TT059.
If, however, you've read our What You Need to Hire a Car in Vanuatu LINK#T010, you may have noticed that those who want to play it safe may want to get an International Driver's Permit in order to rent and legally drive a car.
We go through it all and clear up any confusion in this complete guide to using your overseas licence to drive in Vanuatu.
For more car hire tips, be sure to head to the 10 Best Car Rentals in Vanuatu LINK#T007.
Table of Contents
Overseas Licenses Accepted in Vanuatu
It's pretty simple. Most overseas driver's licences are accepted in Vanuatu, as long as they are full and still valid.
However, individuals with overseas driver's licences are allowed to drive in Vanuatu for a period of three months only. Individuals who plan on staying in the country for more than three months are required to get a Vanuatu driving licence.
The only hurdle foreigners may encounter is if their driver's license is not written in English or French.
Some car rental companies are pretty relaxed about this, simply using translation apps to read your driver's license.
Others may require an overseas licence to be written in English, or else you need to have a certified translation to accompany your licence, such as an IDP (International Driver's Permit). More on that is detailed in the "How to Apply for an International Driving Permit" section below.
Conditions of Driving in American Samoa on an Overseas Driver's License
Driving in Vanuatu with an overseas license has a few conditions and restrictions. These include that you can only drive:
- a motor vehicle (car) if you're over the age of 18 (although most rental companies only hire to ages 21+),
- a scooter if you're over the age of 16 (although most rental companies only hire to ages 21+)
- for up to three months in Vanuatu,
- if your license is not revoked, suspended or disqualified,
- and only the motor vehicle class that you are entitled to drive in your home country.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit for Vanuatu + How to Get One
Do you need an IDP for Vanuatu? Yes and no.
If your driver's licence from your home country is not written in English or French, then it's safest to travel to Vanuatu with both your original driver's licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
In Vanuatu, some car rental companies are pretty relaxed about driver's licenses not written in English or French, as they will likely be familiar with foreign licenses or use translation apps to read your driver's license.
How to Apply for an International Driving Permit
You need to apply for an IDP before you leave the country in which your driving licence is issued. You cannot apply for an IDP for an overseas driving license in Vanuatu.
How you apply for your IDP varies between countries. While in some countries you can only apply in person at a local transport authority or government, in others, you can simply apply online or by post.
The best way to find out how to apply for an International Driving Permit is to contact your country's transport authority.
What You Need to Apply for an IDP
In most cases, the following is required to apply for an International Driving Permit:
- A photocopy of both sides of your driving licence
- A recent passport-style photograph
- A completed application form
- Some countries may require a copy of your national identity card
- Some countries may require a fee.
Be aware that your application could take up to a month to process, so be sure to start the IDP application process as soon as possible! Typically, IDPs are valid for three years from the issue date.
A Warning About International Driving Permit Scam Websites
We noticed that there are a lot of scam websites when researching this article. This article from the official International Driving Permit website (internationaldrivingpermit.org), lists a few of the scam websites to avoid.
More About Driving in Vanuatu
Now that you know what licence you need for driving in Vanuatu and whether your overseas licence is accepted, here are some guides with tips on how to drive, rent a vehicle and more!
- How to Drive in Vanuatu + 10 Road Rules You Need to Know LINK#T042
- Travel Times & Distances: How Long Does it Take to Travel Around Vanuatu? LINK#T049
- 10 Best Car Rentals in Vanuatu LINK#T007
Finally, check out more ways of getting around the country in our Vanuatu Transport Guide: 10 Best Ways to Get Around Vanuatu LINK#T036.
