Do you need an International Driving Permit in El Salvador?

El Salvador and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in El Salvador

El Salvador 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 El Salvador

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 El Salvador

The UK Foreign Office and the Government of Canada both advise that a foreign national licence is accepted for a limited period in El Salvador, for stays of up to 90 days.

Emergency services

general 911, police 911, ambulance 911, fire 911

Common questions about driving in El Salvador

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in El Salvador?

Up to 3 years. El Salvador joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 27 August 2024 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 El Salvador on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in El Salvador for the first 90 days after you arrive." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with El Salvador's road authority before you travel.

What do I dial in an emergency in El Salvador?

Reach general on 911, police on 911, ambulance on 911, fire on 911. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for El Salvador. 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 El Salvador?

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.