Does National require an IDP in Haiti?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Haiti: 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.
Haiti drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence, though conditions mean most visitors arrange local drivers.
In Haiti specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Haiti ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. Self-drive is limited; an IDP and passport are expected where available.
National runs a global network; at its Haiti desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Haiti drives on the right, uses the HTG, 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 Haiti
- 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 HTG deposit; Haiti drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Haiti National renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Congested, poorly marked roads.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Carry passport, IDP and home licence.
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 Haiti
There are no formal toll motorways or vignette system; roads are free, though conditions vary widely from paved to rough mountain tracks.
Parking is informal and unmetered; in Port-au-Prince use guarded hotel or attended lots, never leave a vehicle unattended on the street, and avoid blocking the congested, narrow downtown lanes.
Formal traffic enforcement is sporadic; the bigger risks are unofficial checkpoints and demands for cash, so keep documents and small bills accessible and avoid driving at night outside city centers.
Emergency response is limited; call the Police Nationale d'Haiti (114) where reachable, but in practice it is safest not to stop in unsafe areas, drive to a police station or secure location, and contact your embassy and rental firm.
Full driving guide for Haiti →