Does National require an IDP in Tunisia?
National in Tunisia: 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.
Tunisia drives on the right and signs the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is advised to translate non-Arabic licences for desks and police.
In Tunisia specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Tunisia ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. Tunis desks request an IDP for non-Arabic, non-French licences.
National runs a global network; at its Tunisia desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Tunisia drives on the right, uses the TND, 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 Tunisia
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the TND deposit; Tunisia drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Tunisia National renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Toll motorway along the coast.
- Zero alcohol tolerance for driving.
- 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 Tunisia
The A1 (Tunis-Sfax), A3 (Tunis-Oued Zarga) and A4 (Tunis-Bizerte) motorways are barrier toll roads charged by distance; pay cash in Tunisian dinar at booths as cards are generally not accepted.
In Tunis and coastal towns paid street parking is run by uniformed attendants who collect a small dinar fee, and informal 'guardiens' will watch your car for a tip; use secure paid lots overnight as theft from unattended cars is a real risk.
Police issue on-the-spot fines for speeding, no seatbelt and phone use, payable in cash in dinar; rental companies pass on camera/parking fines plus an admin fee to the card on file. Drink-driving and serious offences carry court action.
Dial 197 for police; a police report is required for any injury accident and for insurance, and you must not move the vehicles. In death or serious-injury crashes police can place the driver in protective custody until cleared, so call your rental firm and consulate immediately.
Full driving guide for Tunisia →