International Driving Permit for Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda drives on the left, a legacy of its British colonial history, so visitors used to right-hand traffic should take extra care at roundabouts and on narrow rural lanes. Foreign drivers are generally required to obtain a local temporary driving permit, usually issued through car rental firms or the police, before getting behind the wheel. Roads can be winding and potholed outside the main towns, and livestock occasionally wanders onto rural roads.

Do you need an IDP to drive in Antigua and Barbuda?

Required

Visitors driving in Antigua and Barbuda must buy a local temporary driving permit, and carrying an International Driving Permit alongside your home licence makes that process smoother.

Driving side: Left
Minimum driving age: 18 years
Region: Americas
IDP: Required

Local languages: English

Driving in Antigua and Barbuda: key facts

Driving is on the left, and many rental cars are right-hand drive, so overtaking and junction sightlines feel reversed for visitors from right-hand-traffic countries.
A local temporary driving permit is normally required and can be arranged through the rental company on top of your home licence.
Speed limits are modest, typically around 40 km/h in towns and up to roughly 65 km/h on more open roads, with goats and cattle a real hazard in rural areas.

How to get your IDP for Antigua and Barbuda

Getting your International Driving Permit for Antigua and Barbuda 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 Antigua and Barbuda.

Frequently asked questions about driving in Antigua and Barbuda

Do I need an IDP to drive in Antigua and Barbuda?

Visitors are required to hold a local temporary driving permit to drive legally, and an International Driving Permit carried with your home licence helps when arranging it. Rental agencies typically handle the local permit for you.

Can I rent a car in Antigua and Barbuda with a foreign licence?

Yes, you can rent with a valid foreign licence, but you must also obtain the local temporary driving permit before driving. The rental company usually arranges this when you collect the car.

What side of the road does Antigua and Barbuda drive on?

Antigua and Barbuda drives on the left, following its British heritage. Most rental vehicles are right-hand drive, so allow time to adjust at roundabouts and on narrow roads.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Antigua and Barbuda?

The minimum driving age is 18, and rental companies often set their own minimum of 21 to 25 with some driving experience. Check the specific rental firm's age and deposit policy before booking.

Other countries in Americas

Anguilla Argentina Aruba Bahamas Barbados Belize Bermuda Bolivia (Plurinational State of)Bonaire Brazil Canada Cayman Islands