Does National require an IDP in Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Saint Kitts and Nevis: 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.
Saint Kitts and Nevis drive on the left and require a local temporary driving permit, arranged through the rental company.
In Saint Kitts and Nevis specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Saint Kitts and Nevis 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 at the desk; carry your licence.
National runs a global network; at its Saint Kitts and Nevis desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Saint Kitts and Nevis 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 Saint Kitts and Nevis
- 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; Saint Kitts and Nevis drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Saint Kitts and Nevis National renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Buy a local driving permit.
- Narrow island roads.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
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 Saint Kitts and Nevis
There are no toll roads or electronic toll system anywhere in St Kitts or Nevis; all roads, including the coastal ring road, are free to use.
On-street parking in Basseterre is generally free but space is tight in the old town centre; use hotel or guarded lots where possible and never block the narrow one-way streets, as illegally parked cars can be ticketed.
Tougher 2025 penalties target reckless and dangerous-speed driving with substantially increased fines; routine speeding, seatbelt and phone offences draw on-the-spot fixed penalties, and rental firms recover any camera or unpaid tickets from your card.
Call police on 911; you must report any accident causing injury or damage over EC$1,000 to the police within 24 hours, and you should not move the vehicles until police arrive when there are injuries.
Full driving guide for Saint Kitts and Nevis →