China licence Kiribati

Driving in Kiribati with a China license

Short answer: you cannot drive in Kiribati on a China license or an International Driving Permit alone — Kiribati requires a local or temporary licence.

Not accepted

An International Driving Permit is not sufficient to drive in Kiribati. Kiribati does not accept the IDP for foreign visitors — a local or temporary licence is required. Always confirm the current rule before you travel.

Convention basisKiribati relies on local licensing rules rather than the UN IDP conventions.

At the rental deskRental is minimal on South Tarawa; an IDP and passport advised.

CarryCarry BOTH your China 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: Local rules

Mainland China is not party to the IDP conventions, so Chinese drivers typically obtain a temporary local licence in the destination country. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the Local rules format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Kiribati

Drive on the left.
Very low speed limits on narrow atoll roads.
0.08% alcohol limit.
Few vehicles and limited fuel.

Common questions

Can I drive in Kiribati with a China license?

you cannot drive in Kiribati on a China license or an International Driving Permit alone — Kiribati requires a local or temporary licence. Kiribati relies on local licensing rules rather than the UN IDP conventions.

Is my China driver's license valid in Kiribati?

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Kiribati?

Can I rent a car in Kiribati with a China license?

Rental is minimal on South Tarawa; an IDP and passport advised.

What IDP format does Kiribati accept?

Kiribati relies on local licensing rules rather than the UN IDP conventions.

How do I get an International Driving Permit for Kiribati?

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

Do I still carry my China license?

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