Does Hertz require an IDP in Seychelles?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Hertz in Seychelles: the policy in plain terms
Asks foreign drivers for a licence translation when the licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet, and often for non-EU renters in much of Europe. One of the largest global rental networks, operating in 150+ countries.
The Seychelles drive on the left; visitors can use a valid licence for short stays, with an IDP advised for non-Latin-script holders.
In Seychelles specifically, seychelles lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Hertz still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Mahé desks accept many foreign licences; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
Hertz runs a global network; at its Seychelles desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Seychelles drives on the left, uses the SCR, and sets a minimum driving age of 18; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the Hertz counter in Seychelles
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the SCR deposit; Seychelles drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Seychelles Hertz renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Narrow, hilly roads on Mahé and Praslin.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
Hertz's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Hertz's standard minimum rental age in the US and Canada is 20, though it drops to 18 in Michigan, New York and Quebec, and 19 in Alabama and Nebraska. Renters aged 20-24 pay a Young Renter fee of about USD 19 per day, and under-25s are blocked from premium, luxury and high-performance car classes.
Hertz places a hold on the renter's card for the estimated rental charges plus a security deposit that varies by location and vehicle class; debit cards are accepted at many US locations but must be Visa, MasterCard or Discover branded, in the main driver's name, and carry sufficient available funds, with extra ID/credit checks sometimes required.
Hertz charges a per-day additional-driver fee that varies by location (commonly around USD 13.50/day in the US, capped per rental); in many markets a spouse/domestic partner can be added free, and the fee is often waived for Gold Plus Rewards members. Hertz requires each driver to hold a valid full driver's licence that has typically been held for at least one year, with longer tenure (often one to two years) required for some markets and premium vehicle classes.
Driving a Hertz vehicle across a country border (e.g. US to Canada or Mexico) requires advance permission and may incur a cross-border fee, and travel into Mexico generally requires separate Mexican insurance; one-way rentals are permitted on many routes but typically carry a drop-off/one-way charge.
Hertz states that a valid driver's licence issued by the renter's home country must always be presented; an International Driving Permit is recommended (and effectively required) when the home-country licence is not in the Roman alphabet or not in English, but Hertz will not rent on an IDP alone.
Once you collect the keys in Seychelles
Seychelles has no toll roads or vignette system - all public roads on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue are free to use.
Paid and time-limited parking applies in central Victoria; use marked bays and pay-and-display areas, as illegal parking draws a fine of up to SCR 1,000 and central Victoria parking is very limited at peak times.
Driving without proper documents can bring an SCR 5,000 fine, drink-driving an SCR 10,000 fine plus possible jail, and seatbelt offences are fined for driver and passengers; fines are issued by the Traffic Unit and unpaid amounts are passed on by rental firms.
For minor damage drivers may settle between themselves, but for injury or significant damage you must call the police (and ambulance if needed) and not leave the scene; obtain a police report for any insurance or rental claim.
Full driving guide for Seychelles →