Destinations / Colombia
Driving in Colombia as a visitor
Usually yes. Colombia 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 Colombia expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 123 |
| Top speed limit | Up to 120 km/h on signed 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 | 1968 Vienna |
| 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 COP. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Pico y placa restricts driving by plate number on set days. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.02% alcohol limit, strictly enforced. |
| Lights | Headlights on outside urban areas. |
| Tolls | Toll roads (peajes) are common. |
On the road in Colombia
At the pump
Stations (Terpel, Biomax, Primax) are attended; petrol is 'corriente' (regular) and 'extra' (premium) plus diesel ('ACPM'), around USD 0.65-0.80 per litre, with cards generally accepted in cities.
After a crash
Call 123 (national emergency line) for police and ambulance; do not move vehicles if there are injuries. SOAT covers bodily injury only; exchange details and get a police report for the rental insurer.
Sources: expat.com · tyremap.com · en.wikipedia.org · internationaltravelpermits.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Colombia?
Usually yes. Colombia 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 Colombia accept?
Colombia recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Colombia ask for one?
Requested by major desks; pico y placa plate restrictions apply in cities.
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.