Destinations / Ghana
Driving in Ghana as a visitor
Usually yes. Ghana 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 Ghana expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 191 (police), 193 (ambulance), 112 |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h on the N1 motorway |
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 | 1968 Vienna |
| 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 GHS. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| City zones | Heavy urban congestion in Accra. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Ghana
At the pump
Fuel is sold by the litre as petrol and diesel (gasoil) at attended stations such as GOIL, Shell and Total; pumps are widely available in cities, prices are deregulated and move with the cedi, and cards are accepted at major-brand urban stations though cash is safer rurally.
After a crash
Drive on the right; call the Police on 191 or the national emergency line 112, do not move vehicles after an injury crash, and get a police report, which is mandatory for any insurance or rental claim.
Sources: graphic.com.gh · remitly.com · internationaldriversassociation.com · transparentrentals.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Ghana?
Usually yes. Ghana 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 Ghana accept?
Ghana recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Ghana ask for one?
Accra 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.