International Driving Permit for Ghana: By Country (2026)

Quick answer: To drive in Ghana as a visitor, carry your national driving licence and a 1949-convention International Driving Permit (IDP), which the UK FCDO says is accepted (a Ghanaian licence also works). Visitors can drive on a foreign licence with an IDP for up to 90 days, according to Citi Newsroom. After that you are treated as a resident and must convert to a Ghanaian licence through the DVLA. Get your IDP in the country that issued your licence, before you travel.

This guide adds the country-by-country detail to our main guide on driving in Ghana with a UK or US licence. Rules change, so check the official pages linked here before you fly.

Which IDP does Ghana accept?

There are several international driving permit formats, named after the UN road traffic conventions of 1926, 1949 and 1968. GOV.UK's country list shows Ghana as a 1949 IDP country, and the FCDO's Ghana advice says you can drive using the 1949 IDP or a Ghanaian driving licence. If your country issues more than one type, ask for the 1949 version.

An IDP is a translation of your licence, not a licence on its own. It is only valid alongside your full national licence, so carry both, plus your passport or a copy of its photo page.

How long can you drive on a foreign licence?

According to Citi Newsroom's 2026 explainer, short-term visitors can drive on their home licence with an IDP for up to 90 days. Foreigners staying longer are regarded as residents and must convert their licence to a Ghanaian one. The explainer lists the steps: a non-citizen Ghana Card from the National Identification Authority, authentication of your foreign licence, an English translation if needed, proof of residence or a work permit, DVLA approval and an eye test. The DVLA's services page covers licence conversion, and also says the DVLA itself issues international driving permits to Ghanaian licence holders.

Who issues IDPs, by country

You can only get an IDP from the authorised body in the country that issued your licence. Websites selling "international driving licences" online are not the same thing.

Your licence is from	Where to get an IDP	Notes
United Kingdom	PayPoint shops (see GOV.UK)	GOV.UK lists Ghana as a 1949 country
United States	AAA or AATA	Named by the US State Department's Ghana page
Canada	CAA	CAA says it is the only authorised issuer in Canada
Ireland	NDLS centres	NDLS issues 1949 and 1926 permits, by appointment
Australia	Australian Automobile Association (via state motoring clubs)	AAA says it is the only authorised issuer
South Africa	AA of South Africa	AA takes applications online or in store
Other countries	Your national licensing authority or motoring club	Ask for the 1949 format and check with Ghana's embassy

If you hold a licence from a country not listed, such as Germany, Nigeria or the UAE, ask your licensing authority which IDP format it issues, and check with the Ghana embassy or the DVLA before you travel. We couldn't confirm a single official rule for each of these, so we don't state one here.

Renting a car with a foreign licence

Each car rental firm sets its own rules for self-drive: some ask for an IDP, a minimum age or a number of years' driving, and many take a refundable deposit. Ask the firm before you book and get its answer in writing. Firms that rent self-drive are listed on our self-drive car rental in Ghana page.

If you'd rather not drive, most firms offer a car with a driver, which avoids the licence question entirely. Our guide is it safe to drive in Ghana? can help you decide.

A checklist before you fly

Your full national driving licence, valid for the whole trip
A 1949-convention IDP from the authorised issuer in your country
Your passport, plus a copy of the photo page kept separately
The car rental firm's licence rules, confirmed in writing
Your insurance details, and the firm's phone number in case of a breakdown or accident

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Ghana?

As a visitor, yes: the UK FCDO says you can drive using a 1949 IDP or a Ghanaian licence. Carry the IDP with your national licence.

How long can I drive in Ghana on a foreign licence?

Citi Newsroom reports a 90-day limit for visitors. If you stay longer, you need to convert to a Ghanaian licence through the DVLA.

Can I get an IDP after I arrive in Ghana?

An IDP has to come from the country that issued your licence, so get it before you travel. The DVLA issues IDPs only to Ghanaian licence holders.

Is an IDP the same as an "international driving licence" sold online?

No. Only the authorised body in your country (for example CAA in Canada or the AAA in Australia) can issue a valid IDP.

Ready to plan?

Compare self-drive car rental in Ghana or car rental with a driver, and read driving in Ghana with a UK or US licence for road rules and checkpoints.

Sources

Ghana travel advice: safety and security (road travel) (UK FCDO)
Check if you need an international driving permit (GOV.UK)
Explainer: How to get a driver's licence in Ghana in 2026 (Citi Newsroom)
Services: driver licensing, conversion and international driving permits (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA))
Ghana International Travel Information (US Department of State)
International Driving Permit (CAA (Canadian Automobile Association))
International Driver Permit (National Driver Licence Service (Ireland))
International Driving Permits (Australian Automobile Association)
International Driving Permit (The Automobile Association of South Africa)

Last checked: 18 October 2026. Rules, prices and advice change, so recheck official sources before you travel.

International Driving Permit for Ghana: Rules by Country