Destinations / Central African Republic
Driving in Central African Republic as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. The Central African Republic drives on the right; an IDP is expected with your home licence, though most visitors travel with arranged drivers.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Central African Republic expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 117 (police) |
| Top speed limit | 80 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 | 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 | 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
| Roads | Poor road conditions outside the capital. |
|---|---|
| Local practice | Checkpoints are frequent. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Central African Republic
At the pump
Prices are set in CFA francs (XAF) and fuel is sold by attendants at the handful of stations concentrated in Bangui; supply outside the capital is unreliable and often only from drums, so carry jerrycans. Cash only - cards are not accepted, and a 4x4 with extra fuel is essential in the rainy season.
After a crash
Call police on 117 (gendarmerie 116); obtain a police report for any insurance claim and do not leave the scene. Given security volatility, contact your embassy and avoid confronting crowds that may gather.
Sources: idaservice.org · internationaltravelpermits.com · internationaldrivinglicense.com · en.wikipedia.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Central African Republic?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. The Central African Republic drives on the right; an IDP is expected with your home licence, though most visitors travel with arranged drivers.
Which translation format is used for Central African Republic?
Central African Republic uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Central African Republic ask for a translation?
Self-drive is rare; an IDP and passport are expected where rental exists.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Central African Republic?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Africa
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.