Does National require an IDP in Barbados?
National in Barbados: the policy in plain terms
Requires an IDP for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local regulations require it. Business-traveller brand known for Emerald Aisle.
Barbados drives on the left and requires visitors to buy a local visitor's driving permit, usually arranged through the rental company.
In Barbados specifically, barbados legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so National will ask for it at the counter. Rental desks issue the required local visitor's permit; carry your licence.
National runs a global network; at its Barbados desks, foreign renters are asked for the Local rules-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Barbados drives on the left, uses the BBD, 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 Barbados
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the Local rules format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the BBD deposit; Barbados drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Barbados National renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Buy a visitor's driving permit.
- Narrow rural roads and roundabouts.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.