Do you need an International Driving Permit in Cote d'Ivoire?

Yes. Cote d'Ivoire is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which recognises an International Driving Permit valid for up to 3 years when carried with your national licence.

Convention
1968 Vienna Convention
Permit valid up to
3 years
In force since
24 July 1985

Cote d'Ivoire and the road traffic conventions

ConventionStatusIn force sincePermit validity
1968 Vienna ConventionAcceded24 July 19853 years
1949 Geneva ConventionSucceeded8 December 19611 year

Which vehicles your permit covers in Cote d'Ivoire

Cote d'Ivoire 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.

The French page of the International Driving Agency booklet, listing vehicle categories A to E
The French page of our booklet, showing the same categories an officer in Cote d'Ivoire would read.
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • BE, CE, DE

What each category covers under the 1968 Vienna Convention

What to carry when you drive in Cote d'Ivoire

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
The inside cover of the booklet, listing the contracting states where the permit is recognised
The inside cover lists the contracting states. Cote d'Ivoire appears on it.

What the road rules say in Cote d'Ivoire

The UK Foreign Office advises carrying either an International Driving Permit or a locally issued licence in Cote d'Ivoire.

Emergency services
ambulance 185, fire 180

The UK Foreign Office names the 1968 convention for Cote d'Ivoire, which matches the United Nations depositary record above.

Common questions about driving in Cote d'Ivoire

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Cote d'Ivoire?
Up to 3 years. Cote d'Ivoire joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 24 July 1985 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 Cote d'Ivoire on my national licence alone?
The UK Foreign Office states: "You must have the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) or a local driving licence." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Cote d'Ivoire's road authority before you travel.
What do I dial in an emergency in Cote d'Ivoire?
Reach ambulance on 185, fire on 180. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Cote d'Ivoire. 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 Cote d'Ivoire?
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.

Driving in Cote d'Ivoire?

Get your International Driver's License Translation in 5 minutes. Digital delivery, valid in 195+ countries.

Start my application

Sources

  1. Convention on Road Traffic (Vienna, 8 November 1968) United Nations Treaty Collection, 91 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.
  2. Convention on Road Traffic (Geneva, 19 September 1949) United Nations Treaty Collection, 103 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.