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National · Guinea-Bissau

Does National require an IDP in Guinea-Bissau?

Daniel MercerWritten by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Yes, bring one
Many rental companies and local authorities in Guinea-Bissau ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter.
National in Guinea-Bissau
National IDP policyBring an IDP (foreign drivers)
National footprintGlobal
Accepted formatLocal rules
Minimum rental age18+ (surcharge under 25)
Drives on theRight

National in Guinea-Bissau: 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.

Guinea-Bissau drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence on its limited road network.

In Guinea-Bissau specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Guinea-Bissau ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. Bissau rental is limited; an IDP and passport advised.

National runs a global network; at its Guinea-Bissau desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Guinea-Bissau drives on the right, uses the XOF, 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 Guinea-Bissau

  • 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 XOF deposit; Guinea-Bissau drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.

Driving rules in Guinea-Bissau National renters should know

  • Drive on the right.
  • Few paved roads outside the capital.
  • 0.05% alcohol limit.
  • Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

National's rental terms that affect your IDP booking

Minimum age & young-driver surcharge

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.

Deposit & accepted cards

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.

Additional drivers

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.

Cross-border & one-way

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).

IDP & foreign-licence rule

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 Guinea-Bissau

Tolls & road charges

There is no functioning national motorway toll or vignette system; roads are funded publicly and you generally pay nothing to drive, though informal road barriers and checkpoints are common in the interior.

Parking in town

Parking in Bissau is largely informal and unmetered, with self-appointed attendants ('guardadores') expecting a small CFA-franc tip to watch the car; there are no painted paid-zone schemes or parking apps.

Fines & camera enforcement

Enforcement is mostly by physical police/gendarme checkpoints rather than cameras; fines are usually negotiated and paid in cash on the spot, and the documented drink-drive limit is 0.15% BAC (15 mg/100 ml).

If you have an accident

There is no reliable nationwide emergency line; in a serious crash do not move the vehicles if there are injuries, summon the Polícia de Ordem Pública locally and obtain a written police report (auto), which insurers and rental firms require.

Full driving guide for Guinea-Bissau

Common questions

01
Do I need an IDP to rent from National in Guinea-Bissau?
Many rental companies and local authorities in Guinea-Bissau ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. 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.
02
What documents should I bring to the National desk in Guinea-Bissau?
Bring your original national driving licence, your International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format, your passport, and the payment card in the main driver's name. Guinea-Bissau drives on the right and the minimum rental age is typically 18+.
03
What is the minimum age to rent from National in Guinea-Bissau?
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. Locally, Guinea-Bissau sets a minimum driving age of 18 and most desks add a young-driver surcharge under 25.
04
What deposit and card does National require?
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.
05
Can I take a National rental across the border or drop it one-way?
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).
06
Does National charge for an additional driver?
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.
07
How do tolls work for a rental car in Guinea-Bissau?
There is no functioning national motorway toll or vignette system; roads are funded publicly and you generally pay nothing to drive, though informal road barriers and checkpoints are common in the interior.
08
What happens if I get a traffic fine driving a National car in Guinea-Bissau?
Enforcement is mostly by physical police/gendarme checkpoints rather than cameras; fines are usually negotiated and paid in cash on the spot, and the documented drink-drive limit is 0.15% BAC (15 mg/100 ml).
09
What is National's general policy on International Driving Permits?
Asks for a licence translation for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local rules call for one. National operates at 1,500+ locations and is distinguished by its Emerald Club loyalty program with the Emerald Aisle, where members select any vehicle (Midsize and above) and pay the Midsize rate, bypassing the counter.
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