Destinations / Saint Kitts and Nevis
Driving in Saint Kitts and Nevis as a visitor
Yes, and a local permit too. Saint Kitts and Nevis drive on the left and require a local temporary driving permit, arranged through the rental company.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Saint Kitts and Nevis 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 | 911 |
| Top speed limit | 40 mph 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 XCD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Documents | Buy a local driving permit. |
|---|---|
| Roads | Narrow island roads. |
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
On the road in Saint Kitts and Nevis
At the pump
Fuel is sold as gasoline (petrol) and diesel, priced per imperial gallon at the pump and roughly EC$2.40 per litre; stations are mostly attended, concentrated around Basseterre, and major cards are accepted at larger SOL/Delta outlets though carrying EC cash is wise.
After a crash
Call police on 911; you must report any accident causing injury or damage over EC$1,000 to the police within 24 hours, and you should not move the vehicles until police arrive when there are injuries.
Sources: sknis.gov.kn · stkittscarrental.com · autoeurope.co.uk · expatistan.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Yes, and a local permit too. Saint Kitts and Nevis drive on the left and require a local temporary driving permit, arranged through the rental company.
Which translation format is used for Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Saint Kitts and Nevis 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 Saint Kitts and Nevis ask for a translation?
A local temporary permit is issued at the desk; carry your licence.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Saint Kitts and Nevis?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in North America
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.