Does Europcar require an IDP in Tuvalu?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Europcar in Tuvalu: 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.
Tuvalu drives on the left on its tiny atolls; an IDP is advised with your home licence, though motorbikes outnumber cars.
In Tuvalu specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Tuvalu 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 minimal on Funafuti; an IDP and passport advised.
Europcar runs a europe / global network; at its Tuvalu desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Tuvalu 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 Tuvalu
- 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; Tuvalu drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Tuvalu Europcar renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Very low speed limits on the airstrip road.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Motorbikes are the main vehicle.
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 Tuvalu
Tuvalu has no toll roads or toll system; the road network is too small to warrant tolling.
There are no paid parking zones, meters or apps anywhere on Funafuti; vehicles are simply left beside the road or at premises. The single main road and the airport runway apron see most activity, so avoid obstructing them.
Speed limits are low (roughly 40 km/h in villages, up to about 60 km/h on the main road) and enforcement is informal but fines apply for speeding, no seatbelt or drink-driving. Most penalties are handled on the spot by local police, and rental operators recover any costs directly from the hirer.
Report any accident immediately to the Tuvalu Police (emergency 911) on Funafuti and do not move vehicles after an injury crash until police arrive. Given the tiny network, expect to settle directly with police and your rental provider.
Full driving guide for Tuvalu →