Destinations / Saint Kitts and Nevis
Driving in Saint Kitts and Nevis as a visitor
Usually yes. Saint Kitts and Nevis 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 Saint Kitts and Nevis expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 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?
Usually yes. Saint Kitts and Nevis 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 Saint Kitts and Nevis accept?
Saint Kitts and Nevis recognises the Local rules format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Saint Kitts and Nevis ask for one?
A local temporary permit is issued at the desk; carry your licence.
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.