Can You Drive in Tunisia on a Foreign Licence? (2026)

Short answer: yes. Tunisia recognises driving licences from almost every country a tourist comes from, and you can drive on your home licence for a tourist stay. Here's the detail that the forums argue about — sorted out clearly.

Your national licence is accepted

For a visit of up to one year, you can drive on your standard licence from the UK, EU, United States, Canada or Australia. You do not need to convert it or apply for anything in advance. Car rental agencies hire to you on your home licence.

When you need an International Driving Permit (IDP)

An IDP is a simple translation booklet you get in your home country before you travel. In Tunisia it is:

• Legally optional if your licence is already in Latin script (English, French, Spanish, etc.).
• Recommended anyway — it removes any doubt at police checkpoints, where officers may not read your home licence, and some rental desks prefer to see one.
• Effectively required if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet — bring one.

UK drivers: the relevant permit is the 1968 IDP, available from the Post Office. EU drivers: your licence alone is fine. It's cheap and valid for a year, so most tourists just get one for peace of mind.

What to carry in the car at all times

1. Your physical driving licence (not just a photo).
2. Your passport (or a copy) for checkpoints.
3. The car rental contract.
4. Your IDP, if you brought one.

Age and experience

Minimum age is typically 21 with at least one year of holding your licence. Premium cars and larger SUVs often require 25. There's no upper limit for ordinary hire.

At police checkpoints

Checkpoints are routine — not a cause for worry. Slow down, lower your window, turn on the interior light if it's dark, and present your documents calmly. Having an IDP alongside your licence makes this a five-second formality.

FAQ

Can I drive in Tunisia with a UK licence? Yes, for up to a year. Carry a 1968 IDP as a backup.

Do EU drivers need an IDP? No, your EU licence is enough, though an IDP does no harm.

Do I need an IDP to rent the car, or just to drive it? Either way your home licence is the document that matters; the IDP is a recommended supplement, mainly for checkpoints.

Book your car

Everything sorted? Book online or WhatsApp +216 21 380 811. New to driving here? Read the complete driving-in-Tunisia guide first, then see the fleet and prices.