Can an American Drive in Equatorial Guinea on a US Licence? — IDP Advised, Same Side, Plan Carefully

Equatorial Guinea is unusual on two counts: it is the only Spanish-speaking country in sub-Saharan Africa, and its capital sits on an island while most of the country lies on the mainland. Both shape a driving trip more than the traffic code does. For an American visitor the licence question is simple.

The verdict for an American licence holder

You can drive in Equatorial Guinea on your US licence, and an International Driving Permit is recommended to carry with it. Because the country is Spanish-speaking and you will meet police checkpoints, the IDP’s recognised translation of your American licence is genuinely useful at the roadside — keep your US licence, IDP and passport together. Arrange the IDP before you fly; you will not get one locally.

Equatorial Guinea drives on the right, the same as the United States, so there is no side switch to unlearn.

The numbers that apply

Where posted, town limits are 50 km/h, rural roads around 80 km/h, and the limited stretches of motorway up to 100 km/h — close to home but with the 100 km/h freeway figure a touch lower than US interstates. The 50 km/h urban limit is the one to respect, as towns are where you are most likely to be stopped. Treat alcohol as zero before driving regardless of the formal limit, given checkpoints and unfamiliar roads. The emergency number is 112.

The geography to plan around

The capital, Malabo, sits on the island of Bioko, while the larger mainland region (Río Muni) is a separate landmass — you cannot drive between them, so your self-drive is confined to whichever part you are in, and moving between them means a flight or ferry. Decide before you book which area you actually want to drive, because a car on Bioko does you no good on the mainland.

Confirm your paperwork with our Driving Permit Checker, read the broader rules on the Equatorial Guinea driving guide, and see how foreign penalties are handled in our driving fines abroad guide.