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Australia licence Papua New Guinea

Driving in Papua New Guinea with a Australia license

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

Bring an IDP

Yes — to drive in Papua New Guinea on an Australia licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Australia licence. Papua New Guinea expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

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

At the rental deskPort Moresby desks request an IDP; 4x4 advised for the highlands.

CarryCarry BOTH your Australia 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 Papua New Guinea Full Papua New Guinea guide

Australian drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (1949 Convention) alongside their state licence when driving abroad. 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 Papua New Guinea

Drive on the left.
Rough, mountainous roads.
0.05% alcohol limit.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

Common questions

Can I drive in Papua New Guinea with a Australia license?

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

Is my Australia driver's license valid in Papua New Guinea?

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Papua New Guinea?

Can I rent a car in Papua New Guinea with a Australia license?

Port Moresby desks request an IDP; 4x4 advised for the highlands.

What IDP format does Papua New Guinea accept?

Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea?

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

Do I still carry my Australia license?

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