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UK licence Cape Verde

Driving in Cape Verde with a UK license

Short answer: you can drive in Cape Verde with a UK license; an International Driving Permit is recommended and is carried alongside your UK license.

IDP recommended

An International Driving Permit is recommended (not strictly required) for UK licence holders driving in Cape Verde. Your UK licence is in the Roman alphabet, but an IDP removes any doubt at rental desks and roadside checks. Carry both.

Convention basisCape Verde uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.
At the rental deskIsland desks recommend an IDP for non-Latin-script 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 2026Convention: 1949 Geneva
Get my IDP for Cape Verde Full Cape Verde 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 Cape Verde

  • Drive on the right.
  • Steep, cobbled island roads.
  • 0.05% alcohol limit.
  • Seatbelts mandatory.

Common questions

01
Can I drive in Cape Verde with a UK license?
you can drive in Cape Verde with a UK license; an International Driving Permit is recommended and is carried alongside your UK license. Cape Verde uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.
02
Is my UK driver's license valid in Cape Verde?
An International Driving Permit is recommended (not strictly required) for UK licence holders driving in Cape Verde. Your UK licence is in the Roman alphabet, but an IDP removes any doubt at rental desks and roadside checks. Carry both.
03
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Cape Verde?
An International Driving Permit is recommended (not strictly required) for UK licence holders driving in Cape Verde. Your UK licence is in the Roman alphabet, but an IDP removes any doubt at rental desks and roadside checks. Carry both.
04
Can I rent a car in Cape Verde with a UK license?
Island desks recommend an IDP for non-Latin-script licences.
05
What IDP format does Cape Verde accept?
Cape Verde uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.
06
How do I get an International Driving Permit for Cape Verde?
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 Cape Verde uses — carried alongside your UK license.
07
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.
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