Does National require an IDP in Tonga?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Tonga: 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.
Tonga drives on the left and requires a local driving licence for visitors, usually issued quickly on presenting an IDP and home licence.
In Tonga specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Tonga 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 visitor's licence is required; bring an IDP and home licence.
National runs a global network; at its Tonga desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Tonga drives on the left, uses the TOP, 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 Tonga
- 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 TOP deposit; Tonga drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Tonga National renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Obtain a local visitor's driving licence.
- Low speed limits across the islands.
- 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 Tonga
There are no toll roads or toll systems anywhere in Tonga; all roads are free to use.
There is no metered or paid-zone parking in Nuku'alofa; the main rule is not to obstruct the flow of traffic. Most hotels provide private off-street parking, so confirm with your accommodation rather than relying on street parking.
Seatbelts are mandatory for driver and front passenger and the drink-drive limit is 0.08% BAC; police issue fines for non-compliance and for driving without a local Visitor's Licence. Fines are typically paid locally, and rental firms pass camera or unpaid infringement costs back to the hirer's card.
Call the police emergency number 922 (or 911) and report any accident; do not move vehicles involved in an injury or serious-damage crash until police attend. Obtain a police report for your rental insurance claim.
Full driving guide for Tonga →