International Driving Permit for French Guiana
French Guiana drives on the right-hand side of the road and follows French traffic law as an overseas department of France on the South American mainland. A single main coastal road links the towns, while the dense Amazon interior has few roads and is reached largely by river. EU licences are valid, and an IDP helps non-EU visitors by translating their credentials.
Do you need an IDP to drive in French Guiana?
As an overseas region of France, French Guiana accepts EU licences and many foreign licences short-term, so an IDP is useful mainly as a translation.
Quick facts
- Driving side
- Right
- Minimum driving age
- 18 years
- Region
- Americas
- IDP
- Useful
Local languages: French
Driving in French Guiana: key facts
- Driving is on the right, with French rules of the road applied throughout the territory.
- The road network hugs the coast, and much of the rainforest interior has no road access at all.
- Heavy tropical rain, humidity and wildlife crossings call for cautious driving away from the main towns.
How to get your IDP for French Guiana
Getting your International Driving Permit for French Guiana 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 French Guiana.
Frequently asked questions about driving in French Guiana
Do I need an IDP to drive in French Guiana?
Because French Guiana applies French law, EU licences are valid and many foreign licences are accepted short-term, so an IDP is useful rather than required. It works as an official translation for non-EU drivers.
Can I rent a car in French Guiana with a foreign licence?
Yes, rental firms accept valid foreign licences, and an IDP can support documents not in French. Self-drive is mostly limited to the coastal road network.
What side of the road does French Guiana drive on?
French Guiana drives on the right-hand side of the road.
What is the minimum age to drive in French Guiana?
The minimum driving age is 18, and rental companies may set a higher minimum age and require a licence held for at least a year.
Other countries in Americas
International Driving Permit for French Guiana
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