Equatorial Guinea on an Indian Licence — Side Switch & Carry an IDP

Equatorial Guinea is one of central Africa’s least-visited countries, split between a mainland and islands including Bioko, where the capital Malabo sits. For an Indian driver the paperwork and the side of the road matter more than any speed limit — so this page sticks to what can be verified.

The verdict for Indian licence holders

On paper, an Indian licence holder can drive in Equatorial Guinea with an International Driving Permit carried alongside the licence and passport. With Spanish and French the official languages, the IDP is the translation a rental company or officer will expect, and you must arrange it in India before you fly. Document checks and permits often loom larger than traffic rules here, so have your papers in order before you set out.

The biggest adjustment: switching to the right

India drives on the left; Equatorial Guinea drives on the right. This is a real side switch — the change most likely to catch you out in the first hour, at roundabouts, junctions and when pulling away from the kerb. Take your first drive somewhere quiet, not into central Malabo traffic, and consciously check the correct direction at every turn until right-side driving stops feeling reversed.

Speeds and alcohol

Posted limits are 50 km/h in towns, 80 on rural roads and 100 km/h on the fastest stretches — and away from the main routes, surfaces and signage are inconsistent, so drive to the road rather than the sign. The drink-drive limit sits around 0.08 BAC, looser than India’s 0.03, but that is no invitation: checks are unpredictable and the only safe figure is zero before driving. You can compare these limits with home on the Speed Limit Map.

Before any trip

The emergency number is 112, and the capital is Malabo on Bioko island. Read the broader context on our Equatorial Guinea driving guide, and confirm exactly what you should carry with the Driving Permit Checker before collecting a car.