Does Avis require an IDP in Panama?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Avis in Panama: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation where the national licence is not in the Roman alphabet or where local rules call for one. Long-established global brand operating in 165+ countries.
Panama drives on the right and lets visitors use a valid foreign licence for up to 90 days; an IDP is advised for non-Latin-script holders.
In Panama specifically, panama lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Avis still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Panama City desks accept many licences; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
Avis runs a global network; at its Panama desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Panama drives on the right, uses the PAB, and sets a minimum driving age of 18; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the Avis counter in Panama
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the PAB deposit; Panama drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Panama Avis renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Heavy congestion in Panama City.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Corredor toll expressways in the capital.
Avis's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Avis's standard minimum rental age is 25, though it rents to drivers as young as 21 in most US states/provinces (some locations require 25 by local law); renters aged 21-24 pay a young-driver surcharge of roughly $25 per day in the US (about $35/day in Canada).
Avis requires an Avis-honored credit or charge card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.) and places an authorization hold covering the estimated charges plus a security amount; Visa/Mastercard debit cards are accepted at most US locations but are subject to stricter checks, and the card must be in the renter's name.
Additional drivers must be at least 25 (or meet the underage rules) with a valid licence and typically cost about $13 per day, capped near $65 per rental; in California the fee is waived for a spouse, parent, sibling or child of the renter. Avis requires a valid driver's licence held for the entire rental period that is not suspended, expired, revoked, cancelled or surrendered; it does not publish a fixed minimum holding period in the US, though some international locations require the licence to have been held for 1-2 years.
Avis generally permits US-to-Canada travel if the renting location is notified in advance, but driving into Mexico is restricted (typically corporate accounts only, no one-way, and Mexican insurance purchased through Avis from border states); one-way rentals are offered with a drop-off charge that may apply on certain rates.
Avis states that "International Driver's Permits are valid only if presented with the original local license. An International Driver's Permit is not acceptable by itself." Foreign licences are accepted if the issuing country participated in the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or has a reciprocal agreement with the US; non-Roman-alphabet licences effectively require an IDP, and renters with a foreign licence may need to present a passport.
Once you collect the keys in Panama
Panama City's Corredor Sur and Corredor Norte are 100% electronic with NO cash option, requiring a prepaid PanaPass transponder; a typical airport-to-city run costs about US$3-8 in tolls. Rentals usually come with a PanaPass.
Use paid garages at malls (Albrook, Multiplaza) and hotels in Panama City; the historic Casco Viejo has restricted, tight street parking and tow risk, while informal attendants expect a US$1-2 tip elsewhere.
Speeding, no seatbelt and handheld phone use draw fixed fines, and speed cameras plus checkpoints are common in and around Panama City; rental companies pass any camera/transit fines to the card on file with a handling fee.
Do not move the vehicles until the Transito police arrive and document the scene; dial 911 for police and ambulance. The transit (parte) report is required for insurance and rental claims.
Full driving guide for Panama →