Tuvalu flag

International Driving Permit for Tuvalu

Tuvalu drives on the left, but this low-lying Pacific atoll nation has only a short stretch of sealed road on its main island, Funafuti. Motorbikes and bicycles dominate local transport, and the entire country can be crossed on foot in a fraction of an hour in some spots. If you do operate a vehicle, carrying an IDP with your home licence keeps your documents in order, though formal car rental is scarce.

Do you need an IDP to drive in Tuvalu?

Useful

Tuvalu is a tiny atoll nation with very limited roads, so driving is minimal and an IDP is rarely essential, though it can be useful if you hire or operate a vehicle.

Quick facts

Driving side
Left
Minimum driving age
18 years
Region
Oceania
IDP
Useful

Local languages: Tuvaluan, English

Driving in Tuvalu: key facts

  • Funafuti's main road is short, and motorcycles are the most common form of transport.
  • The country sits just metres above sea level, making it one of the lowest-lying nations on Earth.
  • Traffic is sparse and slow, with no large highway network across the scattered atolls.

How to get your IDP for Tuvalu

Getting your International Driving Permit for Tuvalu takes only a few minutes:

  1. 1
    Apply online

    Complete a short application in about 2 minutes — no paperwork or appointments.

  2. 2
    Upload your documents

    Add a photo of your national driving licence and a passport-style photo.

  3. 3
    Get your IDP instantly

    Receive your digital International Driving Permit by email, ready to use in Tuvalu.

Frequently asked questions about driving in Tuvalu

Do I need an IDP to drive in Tuvalu?

An IDP is rarely essential given Tuvalu's minimal road network, but it is useful to carry with your national licence if you hire or operate any vehicle there.

Can I rent a car in Tuvalu with a foreign licence?

Formal car rental is very limited in Tuvalu, and where vehicles are available a valid foreign licence with an accompanying IDP is the practical combination; many visitors use motorbikes instead.

What side of the road does Tuvalu drive on?

Tuvalu drives on the left-hand side of the road.

What is the minimum age to drive in Tuvalu?

The minimum driving age is 18, though the small scale of road use makes driving a minor part of getting around.

Other countries in Oceania

International Driving Permit for Tuvalu

Apply in 2 minutes. Instant digital delivery, accepted in 189+ countries.

Start my application

10,000+ customers · 98% approval rate