International Driving Permit for French Polynesia

French Polynesia drives on the right-hand side of the road, and on islands like Tahiti and Bora Bora roads are limited, often hugging the coast in a single loop. Distances are short, but narrow lanes, cyclists and scooters mean a relaxed pace is the norm. EU licences are valid under French rules, while an IDP conveniently translates other foreign licences.

Do you need an IDP to drive in French Polynesia?

Useful

French Polynesia follows French driving rules and accepts EU and many foreign licences short-term, so an IDP is useful mainly as a translation.

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

Local languages: French, Tahitian

Driving in French Polynesia: key facts

Driving is on the right, following French traffic regulations across the islands.
Main roads on islands such as Tahiti and Bora Bora are short coastal loops shared with many scooters and bicycles.
Seatbelts are required, drink-driving is enforced, and fuel and services can be sparse on smaller islands.

How to get your IDP for French Polynesia

Getting your International Driving Permit for French Polynesia 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 French Polynesia.

Frequently asked questions about driving in French Polynesia

Do I need an IDP to drive in French Polynesia?

French rules apply, so EU licences are valid and many foreign licences are accepted short-term, making an IDP useful rather than mandatory. It is handy as a translation if your licence is not in French.

Can I rent a car in French Polynesia with a foreign licence?

Yes, rental companies accept valid foreign licences, and scooters and small cars are popular for island touring. An IDP can ease paperwork for non-French-language licences.

What side of the road does French Polynesia drive on?

French Polynesia drives on the right-hand side of the road.

What is the minimum age to drive in French Polynesia?

The minimum driving age is 18, and rental firms commonly require drivers to be at least 21 with a licence held for a minimum period.

Other countries in Oceania

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