Destinations / Antigua and Barbuda
Driving in Antigua and Barbuda as a visitor
Yes, and a local permit too. Antigua and Barbuda drive on the left and require visitors to buy a local temporary driving permit at the rental desk, often alongside an IDP.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Antigua and Barbuda expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| 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?
Yes, and a local permit too. Antigua and Barbuda drive on the left and require visitors to buy a local temporary driving permit at the rental desk, often alongside an IDP.
Which translation format is used for Antigua and Barbuda?
Antigua and Barbuda uses the Local rules convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Antigua and Barbuda ask for a translation?
A local temporary permit is issued on top of your licence; an IDP helps.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Antigua and Barbuda?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in North America
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.