Does Avis require an IDP in Seychelles?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Avis in Seychelles: 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.
The Seychelles drive on the left; visitors can use a valid licence for short stays, with an IDP advised for non-Latin-script holders.
In Seychelles specifically, seychelles 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. Mahé desks accept many foreign licences; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
Avis runs a global network; at its Seychelles desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Seychelles drives on the left, uses the SCR, 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 Seychelles
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the SCR deposit; Seychelles drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Seychelles Avis renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Narrow, hilly roads on Mahé and Praslin.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
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 Seychelles
Seychelles has no toll roads or vignette system - all public roads on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue are free to use.
Paid and time-limited parking applies in central Victoria; use marked bays and pay-and-display areas, as illegal parking draws a fine of up to SCR 1,000 and central Victoria parking is very limited at peak times.
Driving without proper documents can bring an SCR 5,000 fine, drink-driving an SCR 10,000 fine plus possible jail, and seatbelt offences are fined for driver and passengers; fines are issued by the Traffic Unit and unpaid amounts are passed on by rental firms.
For minor damage drivers may settle between themselves, but for injury or significant damage you must call the police (and ambulance if needed) and not leave the scene; obtain a police report for any insurance or rental claim.
Full driving guide for Seychelles →