Does Europcar require an IDP in Nauru?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Europcar in Nauru: 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.
Nauru drives on the left and has a single ring road around the island; an IDP is advised with your home licence.
In Nauru specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Nauru ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Europcar will typically ask for it at the counter. Rental is very limited; an IDP and passport advised.
Europcar runs a europe / global network; at its Nauru desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Nauru drives on the left, uses the AUD, 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 Nauru
- 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 AUD deposit; Nauru drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Nauru Europcar renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- One main road circles the island.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Very low speed limits.
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 Nauru
Nauru has no tolls, vignettes or electronic road charges; the entire ring road is free to use.
Parking is free and informal everywhere, including around the Capelle & Partner store and government buildings; there are no meters or paid zones and towing is not a practical risk.
Driving is on the left with limits of about 40 km/h in built-up areas and 60 km/h on the ring road; seatbelts are required and drink-driving is an offence, with fines generally issued on the spot rather than by camera.
Dial 110 for the Nauru Police Force (or the Crimes Unit on 557 2979); report any injury accident, and leave vehicles where they are until police arrive when someone is hurt.
Full driving guide for Nauru →