Get your International Driving Permit for Burkina Faso in 8 minutes

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Does Burkina Faso require an International Driving Permit?

Original license
Always required
Format accepted
Printed & digital
Issuer matters
Verify authority recognition
Valid from entry
Up to 3 years

Burkina Faso allows foreign nationals to drive for up to one year from entry with a recognized International Driving Permit alongside their valid domestic license. Issuing authority recognition matters here, confirm yours is accepted before driving.

Driver type Requirement Notes
Tourist / short-term visitor Required in most cases Carry original license at all times
Rental car driver Commonly required Verify issuing authority with your rental company
Long-term foreign resident Different rules apply After 1 year, a local license may be needed
Mutually recognized license holder May be exempt Depends on home country agreement

Also traveling to other countries? An International Drivers Association International Driving Permit is widely recognized across many destinations worldwide and can make rental pickups, police checks, and border crossings smoother throughout the rest of your trip.

What are the requirements to get an International Driving Permit in Burkina Faso?

Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and have the following documents ready before you start.

Documents needed

All it takes is what’s already in your wallet

  • Valid domestic driver’s license
  • Passport-style photo
  • Valid government-issued ID
  • Completed online application

Eligibility

You must meet every condition below

  • 18 years or older
  • Valid home country license
  • License not suspended
  • Applicable from home or abroad

What is the minimum age to drive in Burkina Faso?

The minimum age to drive in this foreign country is 18 years old. It doesn’t matter if you have an International Driving Permit (IDP), you still need to follow the rules that have been set by the country.

Most importantly, if your home country driver’s license is in English, you’ll need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) to have it translated into 12 of the widely used languages worldwide including French, Arab, and others.

What is the difference between an International Driving License and a driver's license in Burkina Faso?

An International Driver’s License or widely known as an International Driving Permit (IDP) supports your valid driver’s license from your home country. It allows you to drive in a foreign country for less than three months, without the need of obtaining a driver’s license according to the United Nations Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.

Our International Driving Permit (IDP) is available is also recognized in 165+ countries worldwide, including the following:

  • Congo
  • Ghana
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Angola
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Bahrain
  • Belarus
  • Bhutan
  • Brazil
  • Brunei
  • Cameroon
  • Canada
  • Cape Verde
  • Cote D’Ivoire
  • Croatia
  • Djibouti
  • Egypt
  • Gabon
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Honduras
  • Indonesia
  • Iran
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Jordan
  • Kenya
  • Kuwait
  • Liberia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Macao
  • Malaysia
  • Mauritania
  • Mozambique
  • Nepal
  • Nicaragua
  • Nepal
  • Oman
  • Pakistan
  • Panama
  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • Qatar
  • Slovenia
  • South Africa
  • Spain
  • Sudan
  • Switzerland
  • Trinidad & Tobago
  • Ukraine
  • Vietnam
  • and other countries worldwide which you can look into through our Valid Countries page.

As for a driver’s license in Burkina Faso, it’s a license that is commonly used by locals or country nationals.

Top Road Trip Destinations in Burkina Faso

Surrounded by different African countries, this gem is a place where different places are situated. Burkina Faso is a landlocked country with many borders such as the Ivory Coast in its southwest, Togo and Ghana to the south, Niger to the northeast, Benin to the southeast Mali to the northwest. Absolutely, your adventure will be more than adventurous before, so sit back and read and plan your trip ahead!

Boromo

Boromo is a place of different cultures and traditions in Bale, Burkina Faso. This biodiversity houses other African ethnic groups such as Bobo, Dafing, Dioula, Mooses, and Winiens (or Kos). It is between the significant urban places in Burkina Faso, which are Ouagaloudougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. You will see many natural resources inside it, like gold and marine life. Boomor is a place of cultivation and agriculture.

Sindou Peaks

Sindou is a town and a place of departure for visits to Mount Tenakourou, it is the tallest peak in Burkina Faso. The mountains are in the province of Leraba, the capital of Sindou department and Leraba Province. It is situated about 50 km west of Banfora, a narrow and craggy chain showing an astonishing array of crooked but magnificent stones naturally created by the Earth’s elements. A place of Burkina Faso’s most spectacular landscapes.

Arli National Park

Suppose you are looking forward to amazing yourself with Africa’s wildlife, Arli National Park is the place to be. Home to the best species of plants and animals, this park expands over a spacious area wherein common animals are found. Some animals are the African Wild dog, monkeys, and hippos. They are watching the Taunga, which is known as the watering hole of the Arli National Park.

Tiebele

If you want to see the African Ancestors' culture and traditions, Tieble is the best place for you. It is a village that has become a tourist spot in Burkina Faso. You will see many houses made of mud and thatch because of the poverty that surrounds the town. The homes are systematic and unique in design, and it makes the place memorable and a sight to see.

Ziniare

Have you ever dreamed of experiencing the movie “Lion King” in real life? If you have, then this adventurous yet wonderful place is perfect for you. Ziniare houses different wildlife species such as tigers, lions, and hyenas. These animals are living in the Zianare National Park; this will undoubtedly fulfill your childhood dreams.

The Most Important Driving Rules in Burkina Faso

Driving in Burkina Faso is challenging and exciting at the same time. It is seen in all the driving and travel advisories around the world. Burkinabes don't follow the road traffic rules, and authorities are having a hard time implementing them. With road accidents, recorded car breakdowns, and terrorism warnings, it is essential to have preparation in your journey. Here are some of the most crucial road traffic rules that you should keep in mind if you plan to see the wonders of Burkina Faso.

Avoid Driving at Night

Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso, houses the country's government, but that doesn't mean it is secured. Citizens tend to drive without headlights, and they walk in the middle of the road. Some car drivers do not signal others. Refrain from going out at night because cases like theft and car-napping are highly possible in the dark areas.

Always Bring Personal Essentials and Means of Communication

The roads and outskirts of Burkina Faso and its capital Ouagadougou are as challenging as they may seem. You will see many Burkinabes biking around, random checkpoints within the streets. The roads are paved and far away from each other, so it is highly advised for tourists to have essentials such as fuel, food, water, and two-way communication radios in case of emergency.

Top Road Trip Destinations in Burkina Faso

Surrounded by different African countries, this gem is a place where different places are situated. Burkina Faso is a landlocked country with many borders such as the Ivory Coast in its southwest, Togo and Ghana to the south, Niger to the northeast, Benin to the southeast Mali to the northwest. Absolutely, your adventure will be more than adventurous before, so sit back and read and plan your trip ahead!

Boromo

Boromo is a place of different cultures and traditions in Bale, Burkina Faso. This biodiversity houses other African ethnic groups such as Bobo, Dafing, Dioula, Mooses, and Winiens (or Kos). It is between the significant urban places in Burkina Faso, which are Ouagaloudougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. You will see many natural resources inside it, like gold and marine life. Boomor is a place of cultivation and agriculture.

Sindou Peaks

Sindou is a town and a place of departure for visits to Mount Tenakourou, it is the tallest peak in Burkina Faso. The mountains are in the province of Leraba, the capital of Sindou department and Leraba Province. It is situated about 50 km west of Banfora, a narrow and craggy chain showing an astonishing array of crooked but magnificent stones naturally created by the Earth’s elements. A place of Burkina Faso’s most spectacular landscapes.

Arli National Park

Suppose you are looking forward to amazing yourself with Africa’s wildlife, Arli National Park is the place to be. Home to the best species of plants and animals, this park expands over a spacious area wherein common animals are found. Some animals are the African Wild dog, monkeys, and hippos. They are watching the Taunga, which is known as the watering hole of the Arli National Park.

Tiebele

If you want to see the African Ancestors' culture and traditions, Tieble is the best place for you. It is a village that has become a tourist spot in Burkina Faso. You will see many houses made of mud and thatch because of the poverty that surrounds the town. The homes are systematic and unique in design, and it makes the place memorable and a sight to see.

Ziniare

Have you ever dreamed of experiencing the movie “Lion King” in real life? If you have, then this adventurous yet wonderful place is perfect for you. Ziniare houses different wildlife species such as tigers, lions, and hyenas. These animals are living in the Zianare National Park; this will undoubtedly fulfill your childhood dreams.

The Most Important Driving Rules in Burkina Faso

Driving in Burkina Faso is challenging and exciting at the same time. It is seen in all the driving and travel advisories around the world. Burkinabes don't follow the road traffic rules, and authorities are having a hard time implementing them. With road accidents, recorded car breakdowns, and terrorism warnings, it is essential to have preparation in your journey. Here are some of the most crucial road traffic rules that you should keep in mind if you plan to see the wonders of Burkina Faso.

Avoid Driving at Night

Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso, houses the country's government, but that doesn't mean it is secured. Citizens tend to drive without headlights, and they walk in the middle of the road. Some car drivers do not signal others. Refrain from going out at night because cases like theft and car-napping are highly possible in the dark areas.

Always Bring Personal Essentials and Means of Communication

The roads and outskirts of Burkina Faso and its capital Ouagadougou are as challenging as they may seem. You will see many Burkinabes biking around, random checkpoints within the streets. The roads are paved and far away from each other, so it is highly advised for tourists to have essentials such as fuel, food, water, and two-way communication radios in case of emergency.

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Print + Digital International Driving Permit
Print + Digital International Driving Permit

Print + Digital International Driving Permit

Maximum coverage – includes everything you might need abroad

  • Free access to all benefits of the digital International Driving Permit format included
  • Accepted in 189+ countries – travel without worries
  • Includes a free ID card with English license details
  • Globally recognized & meets international standards
  • Essential for non-English speaking countries
Digital International Driving Permit

Digital International Driving Permit

Instant Peace of Mind – Ready for Download in Minutes

  • Easily accessible digital format, accepted in many countries
  • Can be obtained online, fast and easy process
  • Accepted widely, but not in all countries
  • Doesn't include printed booklet and complementary plastic card

You will receive a printed and digital International Driving License booklet and card. The digital International Driving Permit is sent in 8 minutes and your physical International Driving Permit will be mailed. Click here for information on countries with International Driving Permit limitations.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common queries and get the information you need quickly and easily.

An International Driving Permit is a translation document of your driver's license in several languages. It is a translation booklet that translates your driver's license into a language your destination country understands. This allows foreign drivers to legally drive a private motor vehicle and can be a form of identification.

It is an international travel document and not a replacement for your domestic driver's license or a legal document like a passport. An International Driving Permit is only valid if you have your original license with you.

Some countries, car rental agencies, insurance companies, and/or traffic authorities may ask to see your International Driving Permit whenever you are abroad, so it is best to keep one handy at all times. You should always carry and show your domestic driver's license along with the International Driving Permit whenever asked.
An international driver's license, technically, does not exist, so it does not grant any driving privileges and is not considered a substitute for a valid domestic driver's license. But most drivers interchangeably use this term with an international driving permit.

An international driving permit (International Driving Permit) is a travel document governed by international conventions. It is a translation of a driver's license that allows the holder to drive abroad. An International Driving Permit is not a replacement for your valid driver's license from your home country.
There are some countries that may or may not recognize your domestic driver's license but will officially recognize an International Driving Permit, which offers a local language translation of your valid license.

In some cases, the destination country's government may not require foreign visitors to have an International Driving Permit, but some car rental companies (such as Hertz, Avis, etc.) may require an international driving permit for you to rent a car.

Quiz: Take our quiz or contact your destination's traffic authorities and offices for more information.
This International Driving Permit follows the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.

Most countries recognize the International Driving Permit if presented alongside your domestic driving license. Drivers from countries that use non-Roman alphabets (like Thailand or Russia) are often advised to obtain an International Driving Permit.

Not recognized in: North Korea, South Korea, Japan

Only accept one-year validity printed International Driving Permit: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Spain, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

China does not recognize international driver's licenses, and foreign drivers need to obtain a Chinese driver's license.
To get an International Driving Permit, you will need:

• A valid domestic driving license
• A passport-style photo

Process:
1. Fill out the form
2. Upload photos of the back and front of your domestic driving license
3. Upload a passport-style photo
4. Attach your digital signature

Start your application here
To be eligible, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a holder of a valid domestic driving license issued by your home country
Applying for an International Driving Permit in your home country varies and will most likely take 2–3 weeks, longer if you mail your application rather than visit in person. It is recommended to apply at least 6 months before your overseas trip.

Some providers claim application processing in less than 2 weeks via express shipping.
An International Driving Permit is essentially a translation document of your driver's license in several different languages. It is used to translate your driver's license into a language that your destination country understands.

It is not a replacement for your original driver's license or a legal document like a passport. An International Driving Permit is only valid if you have your original license with you.
Available in 12 languages, making it easier for you to communicate with foreign officials and understand traffic signs and regulations in countries where English is not widely spoken. This added convenience and accessibility helps you navigate foreign roads more confidently.
This longer validity period is presented as useful for frequent travelers planning multiple trips and extended stays abroad, reducing the need to obtain a new International Driving Permit for every trip.
Driving without a valid license in a foreign country can result in fines, legal trouble, or other penalties. An International Driving Permit helps demonstrate that you are properly licensed in your home country when driving abroad.
Some services claim you can obtain an International Driving Permit at an affordable price without compromising on quality or service, and warn against overpriced or fake permits from unofficial providers.
Some providers offer worldwide express shipping so travelers can receive their International Driving Permit quickly and efficiently before their trip.
Fast application process
Worldwide acceptance
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