International Driving Permit for Western Sahara
Western Sahara, a disputed territory administered largely by Morocco, drives on the right-hand side of the road. Much of the area is open desert crossed by long, lonely highways such as the coastal route toward Mauritania, where fuel stops, water and spare supplies should be planned well in advance.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Western Sahara?
An International Driving Permit is recommended for the Western Sahara region, where local licences are largely in Arabic and an IDP provides a clear translation of yours.
Quick facts
- Driving side
- Right
- Minimum driving age
- 18 years
- Region
- Africa
- IDP
- Recommended
Local languages: Arabic, Spanish, French
Driving in Western Sahara: key facts
- Vast stretches of desert highway mean long distances between towns, fuel stations and any assistance.
- Police and military checkpoints are frequent, so keep your passport, licence and IDP readily accessible.
- Local licences and signage often appear in Arabic, making an IDP translation particularly helpful for foreign drivers.
How to get your IDP for Western Sahara
Getting your International Driving Permit for Western Sahara 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 Western Sahara.
Frequently asked questions about driving in Western Sahara
Do I need an IDP to drive in Western Sahara?
An IDP is strongly recommended because it translates your licence into Arabic and French, which helps at the region's frequent checkpoints.
Can I rent a car in Western Sahara with a foreign licence?
Rentals are mostly arranged through Moroccan agencies that accept a valid foreign licence, and pairing it with an IDP is advisable.
What side of the road does Western Sahara drive on?
Western Sahara drives on the right-hand side of the road.
What is the minimum age to drive in Western Sahara?
The minimum driving age is 18, and rental companies typically require drivers to be at least 21.
Other countries in Africa
International Driving Permit for Western Sahara
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