International Driving Permit for Curaçao
Curaçao drives on the right-hand side, making it an easy island to explore by car for visitors from mainland Europe and the Americas. The compact Dutch Caribbean island has good main roads connecting Willemstad to its many beaches, though some routes to remote coves are unpaved.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Curaçao?
Most visitors can drive in Curaçao on their valid national licence, though an International Driving Permit is a useful backup if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet.
Quick facts
- Driving side
- Right
- Minimum driving age
- 17 years
- Region
- Americas
- IDP
- Useful
Local languages: Dutch, Papiamento, English
Driving in Curaçao: key facts
- Roads are well maintained near Willemstad but can be rough and unpaved on the way to secluded beaches.
- Seatbelt use is required, and helmets are mandatory for motorcycle and scooter riders.
- Drive defensively around free-roaming livestock such as goats in rural parts of the island.
How to get your IDP for Curaçao
Getting your International Driving Permit for Curaçao 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 Curaçao.
Frequently asked questions about driving in Curaçao
Do I need an IDP to drive in Curaçao?
A valid national driving licence is generally accepted for short visits. An IDP is a useful supplement, particularly if your licence is in a non-Latin script.
Can I rent a car in Curaçao with a foreign licence?
Yes. International rental brands and local agencies accept valid foreign licences, and an IDP can be a helpful backup. A credit card and passport are usually required.
What side of the road does Curaçao drive on?
Curaçao drives on the right-hand side of the road, in line with its Dutch heritage and most of the Americas.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Curaçao?
The minimum age to hold a licence is 17, but car-rental companies usually require drivers to be at least 21 or 23, often with a young-driver fee for those under 25.
Other countries in Americas
International Driving Permit for Curaçao
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