China licence Tuvalu

Driving in Tuvalu with a China license

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

Not accepted

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

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

At the rental deskRental is minimal on Funafuti; 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 Tuvalu

Drive on the left.
Very low speed limits on the airstrip road.
0.08% alcohol limit.
Motorbikes are the main vehicle.

Common questions

Can I drive in Tuvalu with a China license?

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

Is my China driver's license valid in Tuvalu?

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Tuvalu?

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

Rental is minimal on Funafuti; an IDP and passport advised.

What IDP format does Tuvalu accept?

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

How do I get an International Driving Permit for Tuvalu?

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 Tuvalu 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.