Destinations / Nauru
Driving in Nauru as a visitor
Usually yes. Nauru 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 Nauru expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 110 (police) |
| Top speed limit | 50 km/h ring road |
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
| Roads | One main road circles the island. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Speed | Very low speed limits. |
On the road in Nauru
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are imported and sold at a small number of stations near Aiwo and the main settlements; prices are high, supply can occasionally be tight, and carrying cash is advisable as card acceptance is limited.
After a crash
Dial 110 for the Nauru Police Force (or the Crimes Unit on 557 2979); report any injury accident, and leave vehicles where they are until police arrive when someone is hurt.
Sources: nauru.gov.nr · tyremap.com · internationaldriversassociation.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Nauru?
Usually yes. Nauru 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 Nauru accept?
Nauru recognises the Local rules format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Nauru ask for one?
Rental is very limited; 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.