UK licence Benin

Driving in Benin with a UK license

Short answer: to drive in Benin with a UK license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva format, carried together with your UK license.

Bring an IDP

Yes — to drive in Benin on a UK licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your UK licence. Benin expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Convention basisBenin uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

At the rental deskCotonou desks request an IDP for non-French licences.

CarryCarry BOTH your UK national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.

Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25

Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)

FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits

Last verified June 2026Source: 1949 Geneva Convention

Get my IDP for Benin Full Benin guide

UK drivers should carry an International Driving Permit with their licence; some countries recognise the 1949 version and others the 1968 version. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the 1949 Geneva format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Benin

Drive on the right.
Watch for swarms of motorbike taxis.
0.05% alcohol limit.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

Common questions

Can I drive in Benin with a UK license?

to drive in Benin with a UK license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva format, carried together with your UK license. Benin uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

Is my UK driver's license valid in Benin?

Yes — to drive in Benin on a UK licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your UK licence. Benin expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Benin?

Yes — to drive in Benin on a UK licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your UK licence. Benin expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Can I rent a car in Benin with a UK license?

Cotonou desks request an IDP for non-French licences.

What IDP format does Benin accept?

Benin uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

How do I get an International Driving Permit for Benin?

An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing UK license. You apply online, and it is issued as a printable PDF booklet with a QR-verifiable ID card in the 1949 Geneva format Benin uses — carried alongside your UK license.

Do I still carry my UK license?

Carry BOTH your UK national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.