Does Hertz require an IDP in Tonga?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Hertz in Tonga: 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.
Tonga drives on the left and requires a local driving licence for visitors, usually issued quickly on presenting an IDP and home licence.
In Tonga specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Tonga ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Hertz will typically ask for it at the counter. A local visitor's licence is required; bring an IDP and home licence.
Hertz runs a global network; at its Tonga desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Tonga drives on the left, uses the TOP, 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 Hertz counter in Tonga
- 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 TOP deposit; Tonga drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Tonga Hertz renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Obtain a local visitor's driving licence.
- Low speed limits across the islands.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
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 Tonga
There are no toll roads or toll systems anywhere in Tonga; all roads are free to use.
There is no metered or paid-zone parking in Nuku'alofa; the main rule is not to obstruct the flow of traffic. Most hotels provide private off-street parking, so confirm with your accommodation rather than relying on street parking.
Seatbelts are mandatory for driver and front passenger and the drink-drive limit is 0.08% BAC; police issue fines for non-compliance and for driving without a local Visitor's Licence. Fines are typically paid locally, and rental firms pass camera or unpaid infringement costs back to the hirer's card.
Call the police emergency number 922 (or 911) and report any accident; do not move vehicles involved in an injury or serious-damage crash until police attend. Obtain a police report for your rental insurance claim.
Full driving guide for Tonga →