Does National require an IDP in Solomon Islands?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Solomon Islands: 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.
The Solomon Islands drive on the left; an IDP is advised with your home licence, and roads are limited and often unsealed.
In Solomon Islands specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Solomon Islands ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. Honiara rental is limited; an IDP and passport advised.
National runs a global network; at its Solomon Islands desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Solomon Islands drives on the left, uses the SBD, 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 Solomon Islands
- 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 SBD deposit; Solomon Islands drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Solomon Islands National renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Unsealed roads outside Honiara.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Low speed limits in town.
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 Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands has no toll roads, vignettes or electronic toll system; the limited road network, mostly around Honiara on Guadalcanal, is free to use.
There are no formal paid-parking zones; in Honiara park in guarded hotel and shopping-centre lots rather than on the street, and keep valuables out of sight as vehicle break-ins occur.
Speed limits are about 40 km/h in town and 60 km/h on the open road, with a 0.08% blood-alcohol limit enforced; police issue fines for speeding, seatbelt and drink-driving offences and rental firms recover them from the renter.
Dial 999 for police/emergency in Honiara; after a crash stop, do not move vehicles if anyone is injured, and obtain a police report, which is required for any insurance or rental claim. Response outside Honiara is very limited.
Full driving guide for Solomon Islands →