Do you need an International Driving Permit in Papua New Guinea?

Papua New Guinea and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1949 Geneva 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
• E

What each category covers under the 1949 Geneva Convention

What to carry when you drive in Papua New Guinea

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 Papua New Guinea

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

Traffic drives on

The left

Common questions about driving in Papua New Guinea

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Papua New Guinea?

Up to 1 year. Papua New Guinea joined the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic on 12 February 1981 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 1 year from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.

Can I drive in Papua New Guinea on my national licence alone?

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

Which side of the road does Papua New Guinea drive on?

The left. If you normally drive on the right, take extra care at junctions and roundabouts for the first few days, and consider an automatic hire car so you are not also changing gear with the other hand.

Does the permit replace my driving licence in Papua New Guinea?

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.