Destinations / Venezuela
Driving in Venezuela as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Venezuela drives on the right; an IDP is advised with your home licence, though fuel shortages and conditions lead many to use local drivers.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Venezuela expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Venezuela drives on the right; an IDP is advised with your home licence, though fuel shortages and conditions lead many to use local drivers.
Which translation format is used for Venezuela?
Venezuela uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Venezuela ask for a translation?
Self-drive is limited; an IDP and passport are expected where available.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Venezuela?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in South America
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.