Can You Drive in Tunisia on a Foreign Licence? UK, EU, US & Canada (2026)
Which foreign licences work in Tunisia, who needs a 1968 International Driving Permit, and what the rental agency asks for, with official government sources.
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Short answer: yes, you can drive in Tunisia on your home licence, but what you should bring depends on where your licence comes from. UK drivers need a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) together with their UK licence, according to the UK government. EU drivers can use their national licence alone. Canadians are advised to carry an IDP. If you are unsure, bring an IDP: it costs little and settles any question at a checkpoint.
What each country's official advice says
| Your licence | What the official advice says | What we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | UK government: you can drive for up to one year with a 1968 IDP and your UK licence | Get the 1968 IDP at a UK Post Office before you fly: it cannot be bought outside the UK |
| EU (France, Belgium, Germany, Italy…) | Belgian Foreign Affairs: a national licence is enough to drive in Tunisia | Your licence alone is fine |
| Canada | Canadian government: a valid Canadian licence works, and you should carry an IDP | Bring an IDP from CAA |
| United States | IDPs are issued only by AAA and AATA | Bring an IDP to be safe |
Tunisia has been a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic since 5 January 2004, which is why the 1968 IDP format is the one that counts.
What the rental agency asks for
At Rent A Car Tunisia (reservations.tn) the rules are the same for every nationality:
- Your physical licence from any country and in any alphabet, valid and held for at least 2 years (a photo or an app is not enough). The agency does not ask for an IDP; the government advice above is about police checks on the road.
- Your passport.
- The driver must be at least 21 years old, or 25 for SUVs and luxury cars. Between 21 and 25 a young-driver surcharge may apply; the agency confirms it before you book.
- A refundable deposit at pick-up: €500 for a small car, €700 for an SUV or 7-seater, €3,000 for premium cars, in cash or by card. You get it back when the car is returned without new damage. No credit card is needed to book.
What to keep in the car
- Your licence, and your IDP if you have one.
- Your passport, or a copy.
- The rental contract.
Police checkpoints are common on main roads and quick. Slow down, open the window, and hand over the documents when asked.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive in Tunisia with a UK licence? Yes, with a 1968 International Driving Permit alongside it, for up to one year. That is the UK government's advice, so get the IDP at a Post Office before you travel.
Do EU drivers need an International Driving Permit? No. A national EU licence is enough to drive in Tunisia.
I'm Canadian or American. Do I need an IDP? The Canadian government advises carrying one, and for US drivers it is the safe choice. In both countries IDPs are issued by the national automobile associations (CAA, AAA or AATA).
How long can I drive on a foreign licence? For a tourist stay. For longer periods, the UK government advises applying for a Tunisian licence after one year.
Can I rent a car without a credit card? Yes. You book without a card and pay at pick-up; the refundable deposit is the only sum held.
Book your car
Ready to drive? See cars and prices or message us on WhatsApp. For the rules of the road, read the driving in Tunisia guide.
Sources
- UK government, Tunisia travel advice: driving, checked 1 October 2026.
- Belgian Foreign Affairs, practical information for Tunisia, checked 1 October 2026.
- Government of Canada, Tunisia travel advice, checked 1 October 2026.
- UNECE, contracting parties to the 1968 Convention on Road Traffic.
Baha Eddin Mselmi and Seif Amara
Co-founders of reservations.tn, the platform that connects travellers with verified Tunisian car rental agencies.
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