Anguilla on a UK Licence 2026: The US$25 Permit Comes First

Anguilla is about as gentle an introduction to overseas driving as a British visitor will find: small, flat, quiet, and on the same side of the road as home. The one step people miss happens at the hire desk.

The document that counts

The UK government’s travel advice is short: you need your UK driving licence to buy a 25 US dollar local licence from a rental company, valid for 3 months. That local licence is what makes you legal at the wheel. Carry it with your photocard licence and passport.

Leave the IDP at home. Global Affairs Canada states that the international driving permit is not recognised in Anguilla, and nothing in the UK advice asks for one. The minimum driving age is 18.

Same side, different seat

Anguilla drives on the left, exactly like the UK, so junctions and roundabouts feel normal. The UK government does flag one oddity: some cars are left-hand drive. In one of those you sit next to the verge, which hides oncoming traffic when you want to overtake or pull out. Take it slowly until it feels natural.

Getting help

There is no public transport apart from taxis, so most visitors hire a car for the length of the stay. In an emergency dial 911 for police, ambulance, fire and rescue.

Before you travel, check other stops on your itinerary with the Driving Permit Checker and browse the wider rules in our driving guides. If you are island-hopping, our guide to driving fines abroad explains how hire-car penalties follow you home.

Sources

• GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Anguilla, safety and security (UK licence to buy a US$25 local licence from a rental company, valid three months; traffic on the left; some cars left-hand drive; taxis only): gov.uk
• Global Affairs Canada, Anguilla travel advice (IDP not recognised; driving age 18): travel.gc.ca
• GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Anguilla, getting help (911 for ambulance, fire and rescue, police): gov.uk