Destinations / Ivory Coast
Driving in Ivory Coast as a visitor
Usually yes. Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| 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?
Usually yes. Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast accept?
Ivory Coast recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Ivory Coast ask for one?
Abidjan desks request an IDP for non-French 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.