Destinations / Cameroon
Driving in Cameroon as a visitor
Usually yes. Cameroon 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 Cameroon expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 117 (police), 119 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h highways |
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 | 1949 Geneva |
| 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 XAF. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Frequent police checkpoints. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Cameroon
At the pump
Petrol (essence/super) runs around XAF 840 per litre and diesel (gasoil) around XAF 828 per litre (2026) at government-fixed prices. Stations are attended (no self-serve); cash in CFA francs is expected, with cards rarely accepted outside major-city branded stations, so carry fuel for long rural legs.
After a crash
Stop, do not leave the scene, and call the police on 117 (general emergencies 112); a police report is required for insurance and rental claims. Move vehicles only if they block traffic and it is safe, and avoid disputes as crowds can gather quickly.
Sources: tyremap.com · globalpetrolprices.com · whitepages.com.cm · internationaldriversassociation.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Cameroon?
Usually yes. Cameroon 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 Cameroon accept?
Cameroon recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Cameroon ask for one?
Douala and Yaoundé desks request an IDP for non-French licences.
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.