Can a British Driver Use a UK Licence in Vanuatu? — IDP Recommended + the Right-Side Switch
United Kingdom
Vanuatu
A British licence holder can drive in Vanuatu on a home licence with an International Driving Permit carried alongside it. The thing that surprises British drivers: despite its colonial ties, Vanuatu drives on the RIGHT — the opposite of the UK — so there is a genuine side switch to manage from day one.
Vanuatu is a string of volcanic islands in the South Pacific where a hire car — usually on the main island, Efate — is the easiest way to reach the beaches, blue holes and villages beyond Port Vila. For a British driver there is one surprise that matters more than any other.
Your UK licence — and the unexpected side switch
A British licence holder can drive in Vanuatu on a UK photocard with an International Driving Permit carried alongside it; your home licence is valid for short tourist stays. Carry the IDP, your licence and your passport, and arrange the IDP at a Post Office before you travel. So far, so familiar — but here is the catch that throws British visitors. Despite Vanuatu’s strong British colonial ties, it drives on the right, not the left. That is the opposite of home, and it means a genuine side switch from the moment you pull out of the rental lot.
Managing the first day
Because the side switch is the real hazard, treat your first hour with care. The danger points are the usual ones in reverse — joining a roundabout that now flows the other way, the reflex glance in the wrong direction at a junction, and drifting toward the left kerb after a turn. Take your first session somewhere quiet rather than central Port Vila, and stay deliberate at every turn until right-side driving stops feeling backwards.
Speeds, conditions and the numbers
Posted limits are low: 50 km/h in town, 70 km/h rural and 80 km/h at the top end — there are no fast motorways here. The drink-drive limit is 0.08, but with narrow island roads, livestock, pedestrians and limited lighting, the sensible policy is no alcohol before driving. Away from the sealed roads around Efate, surfaces deteriorate fast and a 4WD is often the realistic choice. The emergency number is 112.
Confirm exactly what you need to carry with our Driving Permit Checker, read the wider rules on the Vanuatu driving guide, and use the Speed Limit Map to plan any longer island drive.
Speed limits, fines, equipment & license requirements
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, visitors generally drive on a UK licence backed by an International Driving Permit, with your home licence valid for short tourist stays. Carry the IDP, your photocard licence and passport, and arrange the IDP at a UK Post Office before you fly.
On the right — which surprises many British visitors given the country's colonial history. For a UK driver this means a real side switch, so take your first day slowly, especially around Port Vila.
The blood-alcohol limit is 0.08. With narrow island roads, limited lighting and a side switch to manage, the safe approach is no alcohol before driving.