Destinations / Equatorial Guinea
Driving in Equatorial Guinea as a visitor
Usually yes. Equatorial Guinea 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 Equatorial Guinea expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 114 (police) |
| Top speed limit | 100 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 | Local rules |
| 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
| Local practice | Numerous police checkpoints. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Equatorial Guinea
At the pump
Petrol (gasolina) and diesel (gasóleo) are sold, mostly attended service; stations are scarce outside Malabo and Bata, cash (CFA franc) is expected and cards are rarely accepted, with prices roughly 600-700 CFA per litre.
After a crash
Stop immediately, do not move vehicles, and call police on 114 (or 112); a police report is required for any insurance or rental claim and leaving the scene is an offence.
Sources: travel.state.gov · internationaldriversassociation.com · tyremap.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Equatorial Guinea?
Usually yes. Equatorial Guinea 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 Equatorial Guinea accept?
Equatorial Guinea recognises the Local rules format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Equatorial Guinea ask for one?
Malabo desks request an IDP; carry passport and home licence too.
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.