Destinations / Venezuela
Driving in Venezuela as a visitor
Usually yes. Venezuela 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 Venezuela expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 911 or 171 |
| Top speed limit | Up to 120 km/h autopistas where signed |
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 | 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 VES. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Fuel | Fuel can be scarce — plan refuelling. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Venezuela
At the pump
Fuel is petrol (gasolina) and diesel and is among the cheapest in the world, but chronic shortages and long queues are common; subsidised stations may demand cash bolívares while pricier "dollar" stations exist, so keep the tank full before leaving cities.
After a crash
Stop, call police, and do not move the vehicles unless they endanger traffic; emergency numbers are 911 (VEN911) and 171. Obtain the police report for your insurer/rental firm, and in Caracas be wary of staged stops.
Sources: travel.state.gov · rhinocarhire.com · driverabroad.com · uscisguide.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Venezuela?
Usually yes. Venezuela 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 Venezuela accept?
Venezuela recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Venezuela ask for one?
Self-drive is limited; 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.