International Driving Permit for Antarctica

Antarctica has no public roads, no resident population, and no national driving licence, so ordinary visitors never drive themselves. Where vehicles like snowmobiles, tracked transporters, and station trucks operate, they are run by research programmes and expedition operators who keep to the right by convention, and movement is dictated by ice and weather rather than traffic law. For the rare cases where personnel operate equipment, authorisation comes from the operating programme, not a standard road permit.

Do you need an IDP to drive in Antarctica?

Useful

There is no civilian road network or licensing authority in Antarctica, so a tourist will not personally drive and an IDP is not required, though research and expedition staff follow their own programme rules.

Driving side: Right
Minimum driving age: 18 years
Region: Oceania
IDP: Useful

Local languages: English

Driving in Antarctica: key facts

There are no paved highways, traffic signals, or public petrol stations anywhere on the continent.
Surface travel is mostly by snowmobile, ski-equipped aircraft, or tracked vehicle, with routes flagged across the ice rather than signposted roads.
Operations are governed by the Antarctic Treaty and environmental protocols, so vehicle use is tightly controlled to protect the fragile ecosystem.

How to get your IDP for Antarctica

Getting your International Driving Permit for Antarctica takes only a few minutes:

1
Apply online
Complete a short application in about 2 minutes — no paperwork or appointments.
2
Upload your documents
Add a photo of your national driving licence and a passport-style photo.
3
Get your IDP instantly
Receive your digital International Driving Permit by email, ready to use in Antarctica.

Frequently asked questions about driving in Antarctica

Do I need an IDP to drive in Antarctica?

No. There is no civilian driving in Antarctica and no licensing authority, so an International Driving Permit serves no purpose for tourists. Any operation of station or expedition vehicles is handled by trained programme staff.

Can I rent a car in Antarctica with a foreign licence?

No. There are no rental car companies, roads, or filling stations in Antarctica. Visitors travel as part of cruises or organised expeditions and do not drive.

What side of the road does Antarctica drive on?

Antarctica has no roads or formal traffic rules, but research stations and expeditions generally operate vehicles on the right by convention. Movement on the ice follows marked routes and safety briefings rather than road law.

What is the minimum age to operate a vehicle in Antarctica?

Programmes typically require operators to be adults of at least 18 who hold a valid licence in their home country plus specialised training. There is no public minimum driving age because there is no public road network.

Other countries in Oceania

American Samoa Australia Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Cook Islands Fiji French Polynesia Guam Heard Islands Kiribati Marshall Islands Micronesia (Federated States of)