Destinations / Kiribati
Driving in Kiribati as a visitor
Usually yes. Kiribati 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 Kiribati expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 192 (police) |
| Top speed limit | 60 km/h open roads |
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 AUD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Tolls | Very low speed limits on narrow atoll roads. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Fuel | Few vehicles and limited fuel. |
On the road in Kiribati
At the pump
All fuel is imported petrol and diesel sold at a handful of attended stations on South Tarawa, so prices are high and supply can be erratic; carry cash as card acceptance is unreliable and refuel whenever you can.
After a crash
Dial 999 (or 992 for police directly) and report any injury or significant accident to the Kiribati Police Service at Betio; leave vehicles in place until police arrive when anyone is hurt.
Sources: travel.gc.ca · police.gov.ki · driverabroad.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Kiribati?
Usually yes. Kiribati 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 Kiribati accept?
Kiribati recognises the Local rules format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Kiribati ask for one?
Rental is minimal on South Tarawa; 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.