Destinations / Senegal
Driving in Senegal as a visitor
Usually yes. Senegal 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 Senegal expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 17 (police), 18 (fire/ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 110 km/h on the Dakar toll autoroute |
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 XOF. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Tolls | Toll motorway from Dakar to the airport. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Senegal
At the pump
Stations sell petrol (essence/super) and diesel (gasoil), are attendant-served, and are widespread in Dakar but sparse upcountry; carry cash in CFA francs as card acceptance is unreliable outside major chains.
After a crash
Call police on 17 (or the Gendarmerie on 800-00-20-20) and obtain an official report; do not move vehicles after an injury accident and complete the European-style 'constat amiable' damage form with the other driver for insurance and rental claims.
Sources: sn.usembassy.gov · expat.com · tyremap.com · rhinocarhire.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Senegal?
Usually yes. Senegal 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 Senegal accept?
Senegal recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Senegal ask for one?
Dakar desks request an IDP for non-French licences.
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.