International Driving Permit for Somalia
International Driving Permit for Somalia: IDP recommended for foreign visitors. Driving side, minimum age, and how to get your IDP for Somalia online in minutes.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Somalia?
An IDP is recommended as a translation of your licence; confirm current conditions before travel. An International Driving Permit is an official translation of your national driver's licence into multiple languages — it never replaces your home licence, so always carry both, along with your passport.
What to carry when driving in Somalia
- Your valid national driver's licence
- Your International Driving Permit (IDP)
- Your passport and rental documents
How to get your IDP for Somalia
You don't need to visit an office. Get your International Driving Permit online with International DL in minutes — we translate your licence into the official UN-convention languages and issue your IDP digitally, ready before you fly.
Which permit Somalia recognises
Somalia has not signed either the 1949 Geneva or the 1968 Vienna Convention, so an International Driving Permit carries no treaty status there. Rental agencies still commonly ask for one as a translation of your licence.
Treaty status per the United Nations treaty depositary: 1949 Geneva Convention · 1968 Vienna Convention
Driving on the Right-hand side in Somalia
Somalia drives on the RIGHT. If you normally drive on the left, allow time to adjust — roundabouts, junctions and overtaking all run the opposite way, and most rental cars will have the gear shift on your right.
The legal minimum driving age in Somalia is 18. Rental companies routinely set their own, higher minimum and often add a young-driver surcharge below 25.
Driving to Somalia soon?
Get your digital International Driving Permit in minutes and drive worry-free.
Get my IDP →Common questions about driving in Somalia
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Somalia?
IDP recommended for foreign visitors. An IDP is recommended as a translation of your licence; confirm current conditions before travel.
Which side of the road does Somalia drive on?
Somalia drives on the Right-hand side of the road.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid?
An IDP is valid for 1–3 years from the date of issue, depending on the plan you choose, and only while your national licence remains valid.
How fast can I get an IDP for Somalia?
You can get a digital International Driving Permit from International DL online in minutes — apply, and we issue your IDP without a trip to an office.
How Africa compares
Requirements change at the border. If your trip crosses into a neighbouring country, check it before you drive.
| Country | IDP | Drives on | Min. age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mauritius | IDP recommended | Left-hand side | 18+ |
| Mozambique | IDP recommended | Left-hand side | 18+ |
| Namibia | IDP recommended | Left-hand side | 18+ |
| Seychelles | IDP recommended | Left-hand side | 18+ |
| Tanzania | IDP recommended | Left-hand side | 18+ |
Other countries
Read more in our travel guides.
Checked August 29, 2026. Driving rules change and can vary by region and nationality. Always confirm the current requirements with the official transport authority or embassy of Somalia before you travel.