Destinations / Cuba
Driving in Cuba as a visitor
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. Cuba drives on the right and accepts a valid foreign licence with an IDP recommended; rental cars are scarce and best booked well ahead.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Cuba 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 | 106 (police) |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h Autopista Nacional |
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 | 21. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in CUP. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Watch for cyclists, carts and pedestrians on highways. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Fuel | Fuel can be hard to find: fill up when you can. |
On the road in Cuba
At the pump
Fuel is sold as Especial (higher octane) and Regular plus diesel through state CUPET/Servi-Cupet stations, but a severe 2025-2026 shortage means long multi-hour queues, frequent dry pumps and black-market prices of several USD per litre; carry cash and fill up whenever a station has supply.
After a crash
Call police and the rental company and do NOT leave the scene or move the car until both arrive; in any injury accident you may be barred from leaving the country until the investigation concludes, so a foreign driver should never admit fault or settle informally.
Sources: cuba.com · cubasbest.com · travel.gc.ca · globalpetrolprices.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Cuba?
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. Cuba drives on the right and accepts a valid foreign licence with an IDP recommended; rental cars are scarce and best booked well ahead.
Which translation format is used for Cuba?
Cuba 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 Cuba ask for a translation?
Cars are limited and pre-booking is essential; an IDP is recommended.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Cuba?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in North America
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.