Destinations / Eritrea
Driving in Eritrea as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Eritrea drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence, and travel permits are needed to leave Asmara.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Eritrea expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Eritrea drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence, and travel permits are needed to leave Asmara.
Which translation format is used for Eritrea?
Eritrea uses the Local rules convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Eritrea ask for a translation?
Self-drive is limited; an IDP, passport and travel permits are advised.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Eritrea?
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.