Does National require an IDP in Antigua and Barbuda?
National in Antigua and Barbuda: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local rules call for one. Business-traveller brand known for Emerald Aisle.
Antigua and Barbuda drive on the left and require visitors to buy a local temporary driving permit at the rental desk, often alongside an IDP.
In Antigua and Barbuda specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Antigua and Barbuda ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. A local temporary permit is issued on top of your licence; an IDP helps.
National runs a global network; at its Antigua and Barbuda desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Antigua and Barbuda drives on the left, uses the XCD, 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 National counter in Antigua and Barbuda
- 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 XCD deposit; Antigua and Barbuda drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Antigua and Barbuda National renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Buy a local temporary driving permit.
- Narrow, winding roads.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
National's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
The minimum age to rent is typically 21 (18 in Michigan and New York, as required by state law); renters aged 21-24 pay a "Youthful Surcharge" of approximately $25 per day (varies by location, lower in some states such as $5/day in New York) and may be restricted to certain car classes.
A major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) in the primary renter's name with sufficient available credit is required; National generally does not accept debit cards, and renters without a ticketed return travel itinerary must provide a hold/deposit typically between $300 and $400 depending on location and vehicle class.
The renter's spouse or domestic partner who meets the same age and licence requirements drives free; other additional authorized drivers cost about $15 per day (typically $5/day in New York), and must be at least 21 with a valid licence. National requires a valid, unexpired full driver's licence held by the renter; for under-25 drivers some locations require the licence to have been held for at least one year, though National does not publish a uniform minimum tenure across all locations.
Vehicles rented in the U.S. or Canada are prohibited from being driven into Mexico; U.S.-Canada cross-border travel is generally permitted but one-way US/Canada drop-offs are limited to participating locations, and rentals originating in certain Mexican cities (e.g. Tijuana, Mexicali, Hermosillo, Monterrey, Saltillo) may cross into the U.S. after purchasing an extension of liability protection (about $10 USD/day).
National states that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is commonly requested in select countries and is generally recommended when travelling abroad; specifically, overseas travelers whose licence uses a non-Roman alphabet may need to present an IDP alongside their home-country licence.
Once you collect the keys in Antigua and Barbuda
There are no toll roads or toll systems anywhere in Antigua and Barbuda; all public roads are free to use.
Parking in St. John's is informal with no large paid-meter network; use marked lots and avoid blocking narrow streets or yellow-lined areas, where vehicles can be ticketed or towed.
Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants and handheld phone use at the wheel is illegal; police can issue on-the-spot fines, and rental firms pass any tickets (plus an admin fee) to the renter's card.
For minor damage with no injuries you need not call emergency services, but exchange details and notify your rental firm; if anyone is injured or a vehicle is undriveable, call 911/999, do not move the vehicles and wait for police.
Full driving guide for Antigua and Barbuda →