Destinations / Papua New Guinea
Driving in Papua New Guinea as a visitor
Usually yes. Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 112 or 000 |
| Top speed limit | 75 km/h highways |
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 PGK. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Roads | Rough, mountainous roads. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Papua New Guinea
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are sold at attended service stations; under the 2026 government subsidy motorists paid roughly K4.39/litre for petrol and K4.44 for diesel (unsubsidised caps were near K6.24 petrol / K8.35 diesel). Fuel shortages and queues occur, so fill up when you can and carry cash.
After a crash
The national emergency number is 000 (police), though response is slow and limited outside Port Moresby; after a serious crash do not stop in unsafe areas and instead drive to the nearest police station to report, as a report is required for insurance.
Sources: travel.state.gov · travel.gc.ca · remitly.com · news.pngfacts.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Papua New Guinea?
Usually yes. Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea accept?
Papua New Guinea recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Papua New Guinea ask for one?
Port Moresby desks request an IDP; 4x4 advised for the highlands.
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.