Destinations / Central African Republic
Driving in Central African Republic as a visitor
Usually yes. Central African Republic 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 Central African Republic expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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
| 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?
Usually yes. Central African Republic 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 Central African Republic accept?
Central African Republic recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Central African Republic ask for one?
Self-drive is rare; an IDP and passport are expected where rental exists.
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.