Destinations / Djibouti
Driving in Djibouti as a visitor
Usually yes. Djibouti 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 Djibouti expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 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?
Usually yes. Djibouti 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 Djibouti accept?
Djibouti recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Djibouti ask for one?
Djibouti City desks request an IDP; 4x4 advised for desert routes.
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.