Do you need an International Driving Permit in Cape Verde?

Cape Verde and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Cape Verde

Cape Verde applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1968 Vienna Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

• A
• B
• C
• D
• BE, CE, DE

What each category covers under the 1968 Vienna Convention

What to carry when you drive in Cape Verde

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Italian
• German
• Russian
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Thai
• Vietnamese

What the road rules say in Cape Verde

The UK Foreign Office advises that a foreign national licence is accepted for a limited period in Cape Verde, for stays of up to 180 days.

Emergency services

police 132, ambulance 130, fire 131

The UK Foreign Office names the 1968 convention for Cape Verde, which matches the United Nations depositary record above.

Common questions about driving in Cape Verde

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Cape Verde?

Up to 3 years. Cape Verde joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 12 June 2018 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 3 years from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.

Can I drive in Cape Verde on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "You can use a valid UK photocard driving licence to drive in Cape Verde for up to 6 months." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Cape Verde's road authority before you travel.

What do I dial in an emergency in Cape Verde?

Reach police on 132, ambulance on 130, fire on 131. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Cape Verde. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.

Does the permit replace my driving licence in Cape Verde?

No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.