Destinations / Somalia
Driving in Somalia as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Somalia drives on the right; an IDP is expected with your home licence, though security conditions mean visitors rely on arranged transport.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Somalia expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Somalia drives on the right; an IDP is expected with your home licence, though security conditions mean visitors rely on arranged transport.
Which translation format is used for Somalia?
Somalia uses the Local rules convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Somalia ask for a translation?
Self-drive is rare; an IDP and passport are expected where available.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Somalia?
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.