Does InterRent require an IDP in Vanuatu?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
InterRent in Vanuatu: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for non-EU and non-Roman-alphabet licences across its European locations. Europcar's value brand for leisure travellers in Europe.
Vanuatu drives on the right and lets visitors use a valid foreign licence for short stays; an IDP is advised for non-Latin scripts.
In Vanuatu specifically, vanuatu lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but InterRent still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Port Vila desks accept many licences; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
InterRent runs a europe network; at its Vanuatu desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Vanuatu drives on the right, uses the VUV, 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 InterRent counter in Vanuatu
- 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 VUV deposit; Vanuatu drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Vanuatu InterRent renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Unsealed roads outside Port Vila.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Watch for pedestrians and animals.
InterRent's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
InterRent's minimum rental age is typically 19-21 depending on country (19 in Spain, 21 in the UK and France), and drivers aged roughly 21-24 (24 and under in some markets) pay a young-driver surcharge that varies by location, for example around 8.50 EUR/day (max ~93 EUR) in Spain, 12.95 EUR/day (max ~181 EUR) in France, and about 35 GBP/day (max ~350 GBP) in the UK; some vehicle categories require drivers to be over 25.
A refundable security deposit is pre-authorised (held, not debited) on the main driver's credit card at pick-up; the card (Visa or Mastercard, sometimes Amex) must be in the main driver's name with an expiry date after the return date, and debit cards are not accepted because their rules do not fit InterRent's deposit policy.
Additional drivers must present their own valid driving licence at the counter and sign the rental agreement at pick-up; InterRent charges an extra-driver fee per day that varies by location, though it is frequently included in promotional/package rates. The main driver must have held a full, valid driving licence for a minimum of 12 months (one year) prior to picking up the vehicle.
Cross-border travel and one-way rentals are restricted and must be authorised in advance; cross-border fees and one-way drop-off charges apply and vary by route, with certain countries (typically higher-risk or non-EU destinations) excluded entirely under the rental conditions.
InterRent requires a full, valid driving licence held for at least 12 months; for licences not written in the Latin/Roman alphabet (or otherwise not understandable to the rental agent), an International Driving Permit (IDP) must be presented alongside the original national licence, as the IDP is a translation and never replaces the physical licence.
Once you collect the keys in Vanuatu
Vanuatu has no toll roads or electronic toll system; including the sealed Efate ring road, all roads are toll-free.
Port Vila has no metered parking zones or parking apps and overnight street parking is largely unregulated, but the central market and waterfront road become heavily congested on weekday mornings. Park in attended or hotel lots and never leave valuables visible, as break-ins occur.
Town speed limit is 50 km/h and 80 km/h outside towns; police run frequent roadside checks and fine for speeding, no seatbelt, phone use or failure to produce licence and IDP, which can mean on-the-spot fines or temporary suspension. Rental companies pass any infringement and camera charges back to the hirer's card.
Report any accident to the local police within 24 hours (emergency 112) and file damage with your insurer; do not move vehicles after a serious or injury crash until police attend. Keep the police report for your rental claim.
Full driving guide for Vanuatu →