Get your International Driving Permit for Kiribati in 8 minutes

Your license instantly translated and valid in 150+ countries. Travel freely to multiple destinations with a single permit — use in unlimited countries during validity period.

Does Kiribati 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

Kiribati 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 Kiribati?

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

Is International Driving Permit a mandatory requirement in Kiribati?

The International Driving Permit (IDP) may not be mandatory in the country, but getting one is highly recommended by tourists who have driven in the country. Driving a motor vehicle in this country for less than three months as a tourist is now possible with just your valid driver’s license, along with your International Driving Permit.

A little background about what an International Driving Permit is, you can use an International Driving Permit during a car rental or during checkpoints. Our International Driving Permit is recognized 165+ countries, including the following:

  • Japan
  • Bahrain
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • Brunei
  • Oceania countries such as Fiji, Gilbert ISlands, etc.
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Jamaica
  • Lesotho
  • Namibia
  • Nepal
  • New Zealand
  • Oman
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • United Kingdom
  • Zimbabwe
  • and more.

Top Destinations in Kiribati

Kiribati is known for its fascinating views of the Pacific Ocean, spectacular beaches, and the immense number of natural wonders it holds that beckons and allures travelers worldwide to come, visit, and discover its beauty. The country is considered one of the best travel destinations in the Central Pacific Ocean and worldwide.

Kiritimati

Kiritimati is a famous island in Kiribati known as Christmas Island, and it has the most significant coral atoll in the Northern Line Islands and the world. The island is filled with natural wonders, beauty, exciting adventures, and a place perfect for bird watching.

When is the best time to go?

Suppose you want to visit Kiritimati, the best time for you to see the island from May to November, the weather in these months is from moderate to cool. The weather is perfect for underwater activities and other outdoor activities where the heat does not beat you and ruin your exploration on the island.

When is the worst time to go?

The worst time to visit Kiritimati island is from November to April; the weather is not ideal for travel and island exploration due to the risk of cyclones that might hit the islands. Most of the activities to do in Savai'i are outdoor activities, and with the storms, you can't enjoy and take a safe trip in your stay on the island.

What Makes Kiritimati Famous?

Kiritimati is famous for its beautiful reefs, exciting underwater activities, birdwatching, and one of Kiribati’s best scuba diving and fishing spots. It is a top destination that keeps many natural wonders and marine life that travelers are eager to see on their visit to Kiritimati and travel to Kiribati.

Fanning/ Tabuaeran Islands

Fanning Islands is a small paradise known as Tabuaeran, the most visited tourist spot in Kiribati. The island of Fanning is a Game wildlife reserve where you can see different types and species of wildlife. Fanning Island has many surprises to offer, from the island’s beautiful beaches, stunning sceneries, and natural wonders that are truly captivating.

When is the best time to go?

Since Fanning island is under Central line islands, it is an all-year-round destination. You can pack light clothes for the island and have the right weather for a perfect beach getaway. It will only depend on your preferences when you want to visit the island.

When is the worst time to go?

There is no worst time to go to Fanning island; the weather is good all year round. The decision when to visit the island is in your hands. You can plan an itinerary to list the places you want to see and check if the weather is ideal.

What Makes Fanning/ Tabuaeran Islands Famous?

Tabuaeran is a beautiful destination in Kiribati that is famous for its spectacular natural beauty, white sand beaches, and wonders surrounding the island. The island is also renowned as a paradise for snorkeling, diving, surfing, and unique customs that add more to the popularity of Fanning Islands.

Tarawa

Tarawa, the Republic of Kiribati capital, is an atoll that has a large lagoon that reaches about 500 sq km of the island's total area. The island is rich in history, customs, natural resources, marine life, and breathtaking beaches that travelers are enthusiastic about visiting and discovering.

When is the best time to go?

The best time to travel and explore the island of Tawara is from May to November. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities and exploring Tawara’s beautiful top destinations because it is sunny, there are no rains, the humidity is a little lower, and the heat is bearable.

When is the worst time to go?

There’s no worst time to visit Tawara, but for your safety, you must avoid seeing the islands during the rainy season, September to November. You will not enjoy your trip if it’s raining and hinders you from doing outdoor activities.

What Makes Tawara Famous?

Tawara is famous for its historical background and World War II memorabilia and historical sites that you can see across the island. The island of Tawara is also recognized as the destination that gives the unique and authentic tradition Kiribati life.

Most Important Rules of Driving in Kiribati

Venturing by car to Kiribati's top destinations offers both amusement and excitement. Yet, before you spark up the ignition and set the wheels in motion, ensuring your safety and adherence to the Kiribati driving rules is essential. The rules and regulations mandated by Kiribati's government set a clear path for navigating the island's roads responsibly and safely, guaranteeing a worry-free visit to this unique island destination.

Drunk-driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08 for both the locals and tourists in the country. To guarantee your safety on your travel, avoid drinking and driving at all costs.

It's still best not to drink so you don't go beyond the blood alcohol limit. This will guarantee your safety while you're driving in a foreign country. There might be checkpoints where officers check the driver's blood alcohol level. Driving under the influence of alcohol will put you in danger because alcohol impairs your motor skills and focus on the road.

Driving in the rain

Do not drive in the rain unless it is necessary. You need to be cautious while driving in Kiribati during the rain. Some parts of Kiribati’s roads have potholes, uneven and slippery roads. Some roads were easily flooded due to excessive and continuous rain. Always keep in mind to bring an emergency kit when traveling and to drive in the rain. Also, drive below the speed limit when driving in the rain as roads can get slippery. The speed limit in urban areas is 60km/h.

Driving at night

Do not drive at night in Kiribati unless it is necessary. There’s a lack of streetlights in the country, and due to absence of proper lighting causes poor visibility. Animals come out and stroll during the night that you might encounter while driving at night. If you have to drive at night, drive below the speed limit.

The animals are unpredictable. They might suddenly cross the road and surprise you that may cause an accident. Some pedestrians unexpectedly cross the hazardous road. Take an extra precaution when driving at night.

Top Destinations in Kiribati

Kiribati is known for its fascinating views of the Pacific Ocean, spectacular beaches, and the immense number of natural wonders it holds that beckons and allures travelers worldwide to come, visit, and discover its beauty. The country is considered one of the best travel destinations in the Central Pacific Ocean and worldwide.

Kiritimati

Kiritimati is a famous island in Kiribati known as Christmas Island, and it has the most significant coral atoll in the Northern Line Islands and the world. The island is filled with natural wonders, beauty, exciting adventures, and a place perfect for bird watching.

When is the best time to go?

Suppose you want to visit Kiritimati, the best time for you to see the island from May to November, the weather in these months is from moderate to cool. The weather is perfect for underwater activities and other outdoor activities where the heat does not beat you and ruin your exploration on the island.

When is the worst time to go?

The worst time to visit Kiritimati island is from November to April; the weather is not ideal for travel and island exploration due to the risk of cyclones that might hit the islands. Most of the activities to do in Savai'i are outdoor activities, and with the storms, you can't enjoy and take a safe trip in your stay on the island.

What Makes Kiritimati Famous?

Kiritimati is famous for its beautiful reefs, exciting underwater activities, birdwatching, and one of Kiribati’s best scuba diving and fishing spots. It is a top destination that keeps many natural wonders and marine life that travelers are eager to see on their visit to Kiritimati and travel to Kiribati.

Fanning/ Tabuaeran Islands

Fanning Islands is a small paradise known as Tabuaeran, the most visited tourist spot in Kiribati. The island of Fanning is a Game wildlife reserve where you can see different types and species of wildlife. Fanning Island has many surprises to offer, from the island’s beautiful beaches, stunning sceneries, and natural wonders that are truly captivating.

When is the best time to go?

Since Fanning island is under Central line islands, it is an all-year-round destination. You can pack light clothes for the island and have the right weather for a perfect beach getaway. It will only depend on your preferences when you want to visit the island.

When is the worst time to go?

There is no worst time to go to Fanning island; the weather is good all year round. The decision when to visit the island is in your hands. You can plan an itinerary to list the places you want to see and check if the weather is ideal.

What Makes Fanning/ Tabuaeran Islands Famous?

Tabuaeran is a beautiful destination in Kiribati that is famous for its spectacular natural beauty, white sand beaches, and wonders surrounding the island. The island is also renowned as a paradise for snorkeling, diving, surfing, and unique customs that add more to the popularity of Fanning Islands.

Tarawa

Tarawa, the Republic of Kiribati capital, is an atoll that has a large lagoon that reaches about 500 sq km of the island's total area. The island is rich in history, customs, natural resources, marine life, and breathtaking beaches that travelers are enthusiastic about visiting and discovering.

When is the best time to go?

The best time to travel and explore the island of Tawara is from May to November. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities and exploring Tawara’s beautiful top destinations because it is sunny, there are no rains, the humidity is a little lower, and the heat is bearable.

When is the worst time to go?

There’s no worst time to visit Tawara, but for your safety, you must avoid seeing the islands during the rainy season, September to November. You will not enjoy your trip if it’s raining and hinders you from doing outdoor activities.

What Makes Tawara Famous?

Tawara is famous for its historical background and World War II memorabilia and historical sites that you can see across the island. The island of Tawara is also recognized as the destination that gives the unique and authentic tradition Kiribati life.

Most Important Rules of Driving in Kiribati

Venturing by car to Kiribati's top destinations offers both amusement and excitement. Yet, before you spark up the ignition and set the wheels in motion, ensuring your safety and adherence to the Kiribati driving rules is essential. The rules and regulations mandated by Kiribati's government set a clear path for navigating the island's roads responsibly and safely, guaranteeing a worry-free visit to this unique island destination.

Drunk-driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08 for both the locals and tourists in the country. To guarantee your safety on your travel, avoid drinking and driving at all costs.

It's still best not to drink so you don't go beyond the blood alcohol limit. This will guarantee your safety while you're driving in a foreign country. There might be checkpoints where officers check the driver's blood alcohol level. Driving under the influence of alcohol will put you in danger because alcohol impairs your motor skills and focus on the road.

Driving in the rain

Do not drive in the rain unless it is necessary. You need to be cautious while driving in Kiribati during the rain. Some parts of Kiribati’s roads have potholes, uneven and slippery roads. Some roads were easily flooded due to excessive and continuous rain. Always keep in mind to bring an emergency kit when traveling and to drive in the rain. Also, drive below the speed limit when driving in the rain as roads can get slippery. The speed limit in urban areas is 60km/h.

Driving at night

Do not drive at night in Kiribati unless it is necessary. There’s a lack of streetlights in the country, and due to absence of proper lighting causes poor visibility. Animals come out and stroll during the night that you might encounter while driving at night. If you have to drive at night, drive below the speed limit.

The animals are unpredictable. They might suddenly cross the road and surprise you that may cause an accident. Some pedestrians unexpectedly cross the hazardous road. Take an extra precaution when driving at night.

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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
Money-back guarantee