Ireland licence Nigeria

Driving in Nigeria with a Ireland license

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

Bring an IDP

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

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

At the rental deskLagos and Abuja desks request an IDP; chauffeured hire is common.

CarryCarry BOTH your Ireland 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 Nigeria Full Nigeria guide

Irish drivers should carry an International Driving Permit with their licence when driving outside the EU and EEA. 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 Nigeria

Drive on the right.
Severe congestion (go-slow) in Lagos.
0.05% alcohol limit.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

Common questions

Can I drive in Nigeria with a Ireland license?

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

Is my Ireland driver's license valid in Nigeria?

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

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Nigeria?

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

Can I rent a car in Nigeria with a Ireland license?

Lagos and Abuja desks request an IDP; chauffeured hire is common.

What IDP format does Nigeria accept?

Nigeria 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 Nigeria?

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

Do I still carry my Ireland license?

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