International Driving Permit for Colombia
Colombia drives on the right, and an IDP paired with your national licence makes dealing with rental agencies and roadside checks far smoother. Beyond the cities, expect winding Andean mountain roads, frequent tolls, and "pico y placa" schemes in major cities that restrict certain plate numbers on set days.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Colombia?
An IDP is strongly recommended for visitors driving in Colombia, as it provides a Spanish-language translation that rental firms and police commonly expect alongside your home licence.
Quick facts
- Driving side
- Right
- Minimum driving age
- 16 years
- Region
- Americas
- IDP
- Recommended
Local languages: Spanish
Driving in Colombia: key facts
- Traffic drives on the right and the minimum driving age is 16, though most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 or 23.
- Major cities such as Bogotá and Medellín operate "pico y placa" rules that ban cars with certain licence-plate endings on specific weekdays.
- Toll booths (peajes) are frequent on intercity highways, and Andean routes can be steep, foggy and slow, so allow extra travel time.
How to get your IDP for Colombia
Getting your International Driving Permit for Colombia takes only a few minutes:
- 1Apply online
Complete a short application in about 2 minutes — no paperwork or appointments.
- 2Upload your documents
Add a photo of your national driving licence and a passport-style photo.
- 3Get your IDP instantly
Receive your digital International Driving Permit by email, ready to use in Colombia.
Frequently asked questions about driving in Colombia
Do I need an IDP to drive in Colombia?
An IDP is not always legally mandatory but is strongly recommended, since it translates your licence into Spanish and is commonly requested by rental firms and police.
What side of the road does Colombia drive on?
Colombia drives on the right-hand side of the road.
Can I rent a car in Colombia with a foreign licence?
Yes, you can rent with a valid foreign licence, and carrying an IDP alongside it helps satisfy agency and police requirements.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Colombia?
The general minimum driving age is 16, but rental companies typically require drivers to be at least 21, and sometimes 23, often with a surcharge for younger drivers.
Other countries in Americas
International Driving Permit for Colombia
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