Does Europcar require an IDP in Sudan?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Europcar in Sudan: 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.
Sudan drives on the right; an IDP is expected with your home licence, and Saharan routes require careful planning.
In Sudan specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Sudan ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Europcar will typically ask for it at the counter. Self-drive is limited; an IDP and passport are expected where rental exists.
Europcar runs a europe / global network; at its Sudan desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Sudan drives on the right, uses the SDG, 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 Sudan
- 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 SDG deposit; Sudan drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Sudan Europcar renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Sandy desert roads and checkpoints.
- Alcohol is prohibited.
- Carry passport, IDP and home licence.
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 Sudan
Sudan has no nationwide electronic toll network; the main long-distance corridor is the Khartoum-Port Sudan highway, and any charges are paid in cash, though ongoing conflict has halted most road maintenance and upgrade projects.
There are no formal paid parking apps or colour-coded zones; in Khartoum parking is informal and congested, with vehicles competing for kerb space alongside buses and motorcyclists, and attended lots expect a cash tip.
Using a phone while driving is illegal, seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants front and rear, and the blood-alcohol limit is zero; enforcement is manual with on-the-spot cash penalties at checkpoints.
Stop immediately and do not leave the scene; contact the police (emergency 999) and obtain a report, since third-party liability insurance claims require it. Note the US State Department advises against all travel to Sudan due to armed conflict.
Full driving guide for Sudan →