Destinations / Tuvalu
Driving in Tuvalu as a visitor
Usually yes. Tuvalu 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 Tuvalu expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 911 |
| Top speed limit | 40 km/h island 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 | 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 AUD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Speed | Very low speed limits on the airstrip road. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Local practice | Motorbikes are the main vehicle. |
On the road in Tuvalu
At the pump
Only petrol/unleaded and diesel are available, sold at a very small number of attended outlets on Funafuti; fill up whenever possible as supply depends on shipping. Bring cash, as card payment is rarely accepted.
After a crash
Report any accident immediately to the Tuvalu Police (emergency 911) on Funafuti and do not move vehicles after an injury crash until police arrive. Given the tiny network, expect to settle directly with police and your rental provider.
Sources: idaservice.org · internationaltravelpermits.com · carol.rent
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Tuvalu?
Usually yes. Tuvalu 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 Tuvalu accept?
Tuvalu recognises the Local rules format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Tuvalu ask for one?
Rental is minimal on Funafuti; an IDP and passport advised.
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.