Destinations / Kiribati
Driving in Kiribati as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Kiribati drives on the left on its narrow atolls; an IDP is advised with your home licence, though there is very little road to drive.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Kiribati expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Kiribati drives on the left on its narrow atolls; an IDP is advised with your home licence, though there is very little road to drive.
Which translation format is used for Kiribati?
Kiribati uses the Local rules convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Kiribati ask for a translation?
Rental is minimal on South Tarawa; an IDP and passport advised.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Kiribati?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Oceania
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.