Destinations / Seychelles
Driving in Seychelles as a visitor
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. The Seychelles drive on the left; visitors can use a valid licence for short stays, with an IDP advised for non-Latin-script holders.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Seychelles expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 999 |
| Top speed limit | 80 km/h 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 | 1968 Vienna |
| 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 SCR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Roads | Narrow, hilly roads on Mahé and Praslin. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Seatbelts | Seatbelts mandatory. |
On the road in Seychelles
At the pump
Stations sell unleaded petrol and diesel and are attendant-served, concentrated on Mahe and Praslin (very few on La Digue), so fill up before island day-trips; cards are accepted at main stations but carry Seychellois rupees (SCR) as backup.
After a crash
For minor damage drivers may settle between themselves, but for injury or significant damage you must call the police (and ambulance if needed) and not leave the scene; obtain a police report for any insurance or rental claim.
Sources: police.gov.sc · localrent.com · kreolcars-seychelles.com · maki-car-rental.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Seychelles?
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. The Seychelles drive on the left; visitors can use a valid licence for short stays, with an IDP advised for non-Latin-script holders.
Which translation format is used for Seychelles?
Seychelles uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Seychelles ask for a translation?
Mahé desks accept many foreign licences; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Seychelles?
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.