Destinations / Gambia
Driving in Gambia as a visitor
Usually yes. Gambia 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 Gambia expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 117 (police), 116 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 70 km/h open roads |
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 GMD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Watch for pedestrians and carts. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Gambia
At the pump
Fuel is priced in dalasi and sold as petrol and diesel (gasoil) at attended stations, mostly clustered around the Greater Banjul area; stations are scarce upcountry so fill up before long trips, and cash is the norm as cards are rarely accepted.
After a crash
Drive on the left; for any injury, dispute or more than a trivial scratch you must call the Gambia Police Force on 117 and obtain a police report before moving the vehicles, which insurers and rental firms require.
Sources: travel.gc.ca · smartraveller.gov.au · qeeq.com · internationaldriversassociation.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Gambia?
Usually yes. Gambia 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 Gambia accept?
Gambia recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Gambia ask for one?
Banjul desks request an IDP for non-English licences.
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.