Destinations / Djibouti
Driving in Djibouti as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Djibouti drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your national licence for its hot, sparsely roaded terrain.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Djibouti 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 | 17 (police), 19 (ambulance) |
| 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 | 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 DJF. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| In the car | Extreme heat: carry water. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Djibouti
At the pump
Petrol (essence) and diesel (gasoil) are available in Djibouti City and along main routes but stations become rare in the interior, so fill up before desert legs. Payment is mainly cash in Djiboutian francs; card acceptance is limited.
After a crash
Stop at the scene, do not move vehicles if anyone is injured, and call police on 17 (fire 18, ambulance 19) to obtain a report for insurance. Exchange insurance details with the other driver and wait for the police to arrive.
Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com · countryreports.org · smartraveller.gov.au · djibouti.embassy.qa
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Djibouti?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Djibouti drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your national licence for its hot, sparsely roaded terrain.
Which translation format is used for Djibouti?
Djibouti 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 Djibouti ask for a translation?
Djibouti City desks request an IDP; 4x4 advised for desert routes.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Djibouti?
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.