Destinations / Haiti
Driving in Haiti as a visitor
Usually yes. Haiti 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 Haiti expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 114 (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 | 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 HTG. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Roads | Congested, poorly marked roads. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Haiti
At the pump
Stations (Sol, Total, National) sell gasoline and diesel by the gallon, but supply is unreliable with periodic shortages and queues, so fill up whenever possible and carry cash as cards are rarely accepted.
After a crash
Emergency response is limited; call the Police Nationale d'Haiti (114) where reachable, but in practice it is safest not to stop in unsafe areas, drive to a police station or secure location, and contact your embassy and rental firm.
Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com · internationaldrivingauthority.com · tyremap.com · internationaltravelpermits.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Haiti?
Usually yes. Haiti 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 Haiti accept?
Haiti recognises the Local rules format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Haiti ask for one?
Self-drive is limited; an IDP and passport are expected where available.
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.