Destinations / Somalia
Driving in Somalia as a visitor
Usually yes. Somalia 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 Somalia expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 888 (police, Mogadishu) |
| Top speed limit | 80 km/h highways |
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 SOS. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Numerous security checkpoints. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Alcohol is prohibited. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Somalia
At the pump
Fuel is sold mainly through informal vendors and small stations in towns, supply outside cities is unreliable, and you should carry extra fuel and cash (US dollars are widely used) for any overland travel.
After a crash
There is no dependable nationwide emergency response; after any incident the recommended action is to reach your security detail or local contacts immediately rather than rely on police, and movement after a crash can itself be hazardous due to crime and checkpoints.
Sources: travel.state.gov · so.usembassy.gov · smartraveller.gov.au · idaservice.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Somalia?
Usually yes. Somalia 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 Somalia accept?
Somalia recognises the Local rules format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Somalia ask for one?
Self-drive is rare; an IDP and passport are expected where available.
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.