Destinations / Chad
Driving in Chad as a visitor
Usually yes. Chad 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 Chad expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 17 (police) |
| Top speed limit | 90 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 | Sandy, unpaved desert roads. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Chad
At the pump
Fuel is sold in CFA francs (XAF) by attendants and is not always available even in major cities, becoming very scarce in rural and desert areas, so always carry extra jerrycans. Payment is cash only and stations are sparse outside N'Djamena.
After a crash
Call police on 17 (general emergency 112 may route to local services); secure a police report for insurance and do not leave the scene. Contact your embassy, as medical and vehicle-recovery services are very limited.
Sources: tyremap.com · travel.gc.ca · internationaldriversassociation.com · en.wikipedia.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Chad?
Usually yes. Chad 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 Chad accept?
Chad recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Chad ask for one?
N'Djamena desks request an IDP; 4x4 essential outside the capital.
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.