Destinations / Eritrea
Driving in Eritrea as a visitor
Usually yes. Eritrea 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 Eritrea expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 113 (police) |
| Top speed limit | 80 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 ERN. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Travel permits required outside Asmara. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Eritrea
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are sold attended-service only; fuel is frequently rationed and scarce, so always fill up in Asmara or major towns and carry cash (nakfa) as cards are not accepted.
After a crash
Stop, do not move the vehicles, and report to the police immediately; a police report is mandatory for any rental or insurance claim and leaving the scene is illegal.
Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com · driverabroad.com · africatourvisa.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Eritrea?
Usually yes. Eritrea 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 Eritrea accept?
Eritrea recognises the Local rules format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Eritrea ask for one?
Self-drive is limited; an IDP, passport and travel permits are advised.
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.