Does Europcar require an IDP in Micronesia?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Europcar in Micronesia: 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.
The Federated States of Micronesia drive on the right; an IDP is advised with your home licence across the scattered island states.
In Micronesia specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Micronesia ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Europcar will typically ask for it at the counter. Island rental is limited; an IDP and passport advised.
Europcar runs a europe / global network; at its Micronesia desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Micronesia drives on the right, uses the USD, and sets a minimum driving age of 18, so an IDP is the document that removes any doubt at the counter.
What to bring to the Europcar counter in Micronesia
- 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 USD deposit; Micronesia drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Micronesia Europcar renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Low speed limits on island roads.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Roads vary widely between states.
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 Micronesia
There are no toll roads or electronic toll systems in any of the four FSM states.
Parking is free and unregulated, with no meters or paid lots in Kolonia or other towns; vehicles park on roadsides and gravel verges with no towing regime to worry about.
Seatbelt and drink-driving laws are enforced with fines, but enforcement and speed cameras are minimal; the bigger hazard is poor road conditions and unlit roads rather than ticketing.
Dial 911 for police and ambulance and report the crash to the relevant state public-safety department (e.g. Pohnpei State Department of Public Safety in Kolonia); accidents frequently cause serious injury, so do not move injured people and wait for responders.
Full driving guide for Micronesia →