Does Europcar require an IDP in Cape Verde?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Europcar in Cape Verde: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for non-EU and non-Latin-alphabet licences across its European network. Europe's leading mobility brand.
This Atlantic island nation drives on the right; visitors can often use a national licence for short stays, with an IDP advised for non-Latin scripts.
In Cape Verde specifically, cape Verde lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Europcar still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Island desks recommend an IDP for non-Latin-script licences.
Europcar runs a europe / global network; at its Cape Verde desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Cape Verde drives on the right, uses the CVE, 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 Europcar counter in Cape Verde
- 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 CVE deposit; Cape Verde drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Cape Verde Europcar renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Steep, cobbled island roads.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
Europcar's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Europcar's typical minimum rental age is 21 (some categories and countries allow rental from 18 on selected vehicles), and a Young Driver Surcharge applies to drivers aged roughly 22 to 25 - published at around EUR 30 per day in addition to the rental cost, with the exact amount varying by country per the local Specific Terms.
Europcar accepts only a credit card in the main driver's name (valid with an expiry date after the scheduled return) for the deposit; the deposit amount is blocked - not debited - on the card at pick-up, or within 48 hours before pick-up for Online Check-In, and debit cards are generally not accepted for the security deposit.
Only drivers registered on the rental contract may drive the car, and each additional driver must meet the same age and licence-held requirements; an additional-driver fee typically applies and is set per country. The driver must have held a full valid driving licence for at least one year (the from-18 categories also require one year's licence holding).
Cross-border travel must be declared and authorised, and in the UK taking a vehicle abroad requires the mandatory Europdrive product (24/7 overseas breakdown cover plus VE103B proof of ownership and a Green Card); for one-way rentals a one-way fee is charged and is included in the displayed price when pickup and return locations differ.
Europcar requires a full valid licence held at least one year; if the licence is not written in English (or the language of the country of rental) the driver must present an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside the original national licence - this typically applies to non-Roman/non-Latin-alphabet licences, while an IDP is usually not required to drive within the EU.
Once you collect the keys in Cape Verde
Cape Verde has no toll roads or vignette system; all inter-town and island roads are free to use. Inter-island travel is by ferry or plane rather than road, so no road charges apply.
Outside busy areas parking is generally free; in Praia, Mindelo, Santa Maria and on Sal/Boa Vista there are regulated paid public and private zones and parking is tight, so plan ahead. Informal attendants may expect a small tip to watch your car.
Urban speed limit is 50 km/h and 80 km/h on open roads; police issue on-the-spot fines for speeding, no seatbelt or phone use, payable in escudos. Rental firms recover any unpaid fines from the card on file.
Call police on 132 (national emergency 112; ambulance 130); a police report is needed for insurance. Do not move the vehicles before police attend if there are injuries, and exchange details with the other driver.
Full driving guide for Cape Verde →