Does Europcar require an IDP in Cuba?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Europcar in Cuba: 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.
Cuba drives on the right and accepts a valid foreign licence with an IDP recommended; rental cars are scarce and best booked well ahead.
In Cuba specifically, cuba 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. Cars are limited and pre-booking is essential; an IDP is recommended.
Europcar runs a europe / global network; at its Cuba desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Cuba drives on the right, uses the CUP, and sets a minimum driving age of 21; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the Europcar counter in Cuba
- 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 CUP deposit; Cuba drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Cuba Europcar renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Watch for cyclists, carts and pedestrians on highways.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Fuel can be hard to find — fill up when you can.
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 Cuba
Cuba's autopistas (such as the A1 Havana-Santiago and the short A3) are toll-free, so there is no toll system for tourists to pay; roads are free but often poorly lit and shared with cyclists, livestock and horse carts.
In Havana use guarded 'parqueo' lots or pay an informal attendant ('parqueador') a few CUP/USD to watch the car; 'tourist' red plates draw attention, so leave nothing visible and avoid unlit street parking overnight.
Traffic fines are issued on the spot by police who note the violation against the rental contract/licence; speeding, phone use and seatbelt breaches draw fines, and because of strict liability rules foreign drivers face serious legal exposure after any collision causing injury.
Call police and the rental company and do NOT leave the scene or move the car until both arrive; in any injury accident you may be barred from leaving the country until the investigation concludes, so a foreign driver should never admit fault or settle informally.