Destinations / Senegal
Driving in Senegal as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Senegal drives on the right; an IDP is advised with your national licence for Dakar's bustling traffic and toll motorway.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Senegal expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Senegal drives on the right; an IDP is advised with your national licence for Dakar's bustling traffic and toll motorway.
Which translation format is used for Senegal?
Senegal uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Senegal ask for a translation?
Dakar desks request an IDP for non-French licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Senegal?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Africa
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.