Destinations / Antigua and Barbuda
Driving in Antigua and Barbuda as a visitor
Usually yes. Antigua and Barbuda expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Antigua and Barbuda expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 911 or 999 |
| Top speed limit | 40 mph open roads |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | Local rules |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in XCD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Documents | Buy a local temporary driving permit. |
|---|---|
| Roads | Narrow, winding roads. |
| Seatbelts | Seatbelts mandatory. |
On the road in Antigua and Barbuda
At the pump
Fuel is sold by the imperial gallon and priced in EC dollars, roughly EC$13.99 (about US$5.18) per gallon for gasoline and EC$14.25 (about US$5.27) for diesel; stations are attendant-served and most accept major cards in tourist areas.
After a crash
For minor damage with no injuries you need not call emergency services, but exchange details and notify your rental firm; if anyone is injured or a vehicle is undriveable, call 911/999, do not move the vehicles and wait for police.
Sources: internationaldrivingpermit.org · antiguablog.co.uk · rhinocarhire.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Antigua and Barbuda?
Usually yes. Antigua and Barbuda expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Antigua and Barbuda accept?
Antigua and Barbuda recognises the Local rules format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Antigua and Barbuda ask for one?
A local temporary permit is issued on top of your licence; an IDP helps.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.