US licence South Sudan

Driving in South Sudan with a US license

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

Not accepted

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

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

At the rental deskSelf-drive is rare; an IDP, passport and 4x4 are expected where available.

CarryCarry BOTH your US 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

U.S. drivers should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their state licence when driving or renting a car abroad. 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 South Sudan

Drive on the right.
Unpaved roads outside Juba.
Checkpoints are frequent.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

Common questions

Can I drive in South Sudan with a US license?

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

Is my US driver's license valid in South Sudan?

Do I need an International Driving Permit for South Sudan?

Can I rent a car in South Sudan with a US license?

Self-drive is rare; an IDP, passport and 4x4 are expected where available.

What IDP format does South Sudan accept?

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

How do I get an International Driving Permit for South Sudan?

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

Do I still carry my US license?

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