Does Enterprise require an IDP in Vanuatu?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Enterprise in Vanuatu: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation alongside your home licence in many countries across Europe, Asia and South America. The world's largest car-rental brand by fleet size.
Vanuatu drives on the right and lets visitors use a valid foreign licence for short stays; an IDP is advised for non-Latin scripts.
In Vanuatu specifically, vanuatu lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Enterprise still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Port Vila desks accept many licences; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
Enterprise runs a global network; at its Vanuatu desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Vanuatu drives on the right, uses the VUV, 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 Enterprise counter in Vanuatu
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the VUV deposit; Vanuatu drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Vanuatu Enterprise renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Unsealed roads outside Port Vila.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Watch for pedestrians and animals.
Enterprise's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Enterprise's minimum rental age is 21 in most of the U.S. (18 in Michigan and New York, and 18 for U.S. government employees on official orders); renters aged 21-24 pay a "Young Renter Fee" that typically averages around $25/day but varies by location (e.g., 21-24 is $15.75/day in Michigan and $30.75/day in New York, with 18-20 fees of $36.50 and $64.75/day respectively).
The contract holder must present their own credit card in their name with sufficient available credit; deposits typically run between $200 and $850 depending on location and vehicle class (airport holds are typically about 120% of the rental). Debit cards bearing a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover logo may be accepted at some locations, but at airports only with a ticketed return-travel itinerary, and prepaid cards are not accepted.
Each additional authorized driver is typically charged about $15.00 per day, but a renter's spouse or domestic partner who meets the same age and licence requirements is added at no charge. Enterprise requires each renter and additional driver to hold a valid, unexpired driver's licence; it does not publish a fixed minimum holding period in the U.S., though young-renter (under-25) restrictions and surcharges apply instead.
Taking a U.S.-rented vehicle across the Mexican or Canadian border requires advance approval; renters must contact the renting branch or call center for the correct procedure and any required insurance, and cross-border travel is restricted or prohibited at many locations. One-way rentals are offered but availability and drop-off fees vary by branch.
For renters under 25, Enterprise states it does not accept an International Driver's Permit as identification; a valid photo driver's licence is required. Foreign renters generally need their home-country licence (an IDP is recommended as a translation supplement but is not a stand-alone substitute for the licence).
Once you collect the keys in Vanuatu
Vanuatu has no toll roads or electronic toll system; including the sealed Efate ring road, all roads are toll-free.
Port Vila has no metered parking zones or parking apps and overnight street parking is largely unregulated, but the central market and waterfront road become heavily congested on weekday mornings. Park in attended or hotel lots and never leave valuables visible, as break-ins occur.
Town speed limit is 50 km/h and 80 km/h outside towns; police run frequent roadside checks and fine for speeding, no seatbelt, phone use or failure to produce licence and IDP, which can mean on-the-spot fines or temporary suspension. Rental companies pass any infringement and camera charges back to the hirer's card.
Report any accident to the local police within 24 hours (emergency 112) and file damage with your insurer; do not move vehicles after a serious or injury crash until police attend. Keep the police report for your rental claim.
Full driving guide for Vanuatu →