Destinations / Ghana
Driving in Ghana as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Ghana drives on the right and signs the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is advised with your national licence for Accra's busy roads.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Ghana expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Ghana drives on the right and signs the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is advised with your national licence for Accra's busy roads.
Which translation format is used for Ghana?
Ghana uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Ghana ask for a translation?
Accra desks request an IDP for non-English licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Ghana?
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.