Destinations / Ivory Coast
Driving in Ivory Coast as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Côte d'Ivoire drives on the right; an IDP is advised with your national licence for Abidjan's lively traffic.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Ivory Coast expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 111 or 170 (police), 185 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 120 km/h on the Abidjan–Yamoussoukro autoroute |
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 | 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 XOF. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Tolls | Toll motorway between Abidjan and Yamoussoukro. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Ivory Coast
At the pump
Stations sell 'super' (petrol) and 'gasoil' (diesel) in CFA francs at government-regulated prices, are attendant-served, and are plentiful in cities; cards are accepted at major-brand outlets in Abidjan but carry cash elsewhere.
After a crash
Call the police on 170 (or 111) and the fire/rescue service on 180; do not move vehicles after an injury crash and obtain a police report (constat), which rental companies require for any insurance claim.
Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com · en.wikipedia.org · internationaldrivingauthority.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Ivory Coast?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Côte d'Ivoire drives on the right; an IDP is advised with your national licence for Abidjan's lively traffic.
Which translation format is used for Ivory Coast?
Ivory Coast uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Ivory Coast ask for a translation?
Abidjan desks request an IDP for non-French licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Ivory Coast?
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.