Destinations / Guinea-Bissau
Driving in Guinea-Bissau as a visitor
Usually yes. Guinea-Bissau 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 Guinea-Bissau expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 117 (police) |
| Top speed limit | 90 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 XOF. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Roads | Few paved roads outside the capital. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Guinea-Bissau
At the pump
Petrol (gasolina) and diesel (gasóleo) are sold in CFA francs, typically by attendants; stations cluster in Bissau and are sparse upcountry, so refuel before long trips and carry cash as card acceptance is rare.
After a crash
There is no reliable nationwide emergency line; in a serious crash do not move the vehicles if there are injuries, summon the Polícia de Ordem Pública locally and obtain a written police report (auto), which insurers and rental firms require.
Sources: internationaldrivingpermit.org · idpservices.org · gov.uk
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Guinea-Bissau?
Usually yes. Guinea-Bissau 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 Guinea-Bissau accept?
Guinea-Bissau recognises the Local rules format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Guinea-Bissau ask for one?
Bissau rental is limited; an IDP and passport 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.