Central African Republic, UK Licence 2026: 1968 IDP Needed
United Kingdom
Central African Republic
Only with an IDP. GOV.UK says British drivers in the Central African Republic need the 1968 international driving permit and the UK licence in the car. Check FCDO warnings before any trip.
The Central African Republic is not an ordinary self-drive trip, and any British visitor should read the current FCDO travel advice before going. If you will be driving, the document rule is simple.
Licence and permit
GOV.UK says: “You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” The permit is required, not optional. Get it in the UK before you travel and keep it with your licence and passport. Hire companies often add their own conditions, such as a year of driving experience or a higher minimum age.
Changing sides
The UK drives on the left and the Central African Republic on the right. There are few roundabouts and little traffic outside Bangui, so the risk is mostly about instinct: staying right after a turn and judging oncoming vehicles from an unfamiliar seat.
What the roads demand
GOV.UK describes the roads as being in extremely poor condition, especially in the rainy season from May to November. Most are unpaved, may close at short notice and need a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Outside Bangui there are very few roads. GOV.UK advises carrying your own fuel, food and drink on any long journey outside the capital, and warns that flooding can cut areas off.
Emergency numbers
117 connects to ambulance, fire and police, and GOV.UK also lists 118 for fire. It warns that the numbers are unreliable and that responders are unlikely to come outside Bangui.
The Driving Permit Checker covers neighbouring countries. If your route crosses borders, the guide to who pays driving fines abroad explains how penalties follow a hire car.
Sources
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Central African Republic, safety and security (IDP, roads): https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/central-african-republic/safety-and-security
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Central African Republic, getting help (emergency numbers): https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/central-african-republic/getting-help
- GOV.UK, international driving permit table: https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit
Speed limits, fines, equipment & license requirements
Your home country driving rules for reference
Renting a Car?
Compare prices from all major rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
Compare Car Rental PricesSome links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How our affiliate links work.
More Free Tools
Explore TyreMap
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but only with the 1968 international driving permit as well. GOV.UK says you need both the IDP and your UK licence with you in the car. Read the FCDO warnings first, as they cover much of the country.
The right, the opposite of the UK. On quiet roads the risk is drifting left after a turn, so stay deliberate.
GOV.UK calls them extremely poor, especially from May to November. Most are unpaved, may close at short notice and need a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and outside Bangui there are very few roads.