Does National require an IDP in Tuvalu?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Tuvalu: 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.
Tuvalu drives on the left on its tiny atolls; an IDP is advised with your home licence, though motorbikes outnumber cars.
In Tuvalu specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Tuvalu ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. Rental is minimal on Funafuti; an IDP and passport advised.
National runs a global network; at its Tuvalu desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Tuvalu drives on the left, uses the AUD, 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 Tuvalu
- 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 AUD deposit; Tuvalu drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Tuvalu National renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Very low speed limits on the airstrip road.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Motorbikes are the main vehicle.
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 Tuvalu
Tuvalu has no toll roads or toll system; the road network is too small to warrant tolling.
There are no paid parking zones, meters or apps anywhere on Funafuti; vehicles are simply left beside the road or at premises. The single main road and the airport runway apron see most activity, so avoid obstructing them.
Speed limits are low (roughly 40 km/h in villages, up to about 60 km/h on the main road) and enforcement is informal but fines apply for speeding, no seatbelt or drink-driving. Most penalties are handled on the spot by local police, and rental operators recover any costs directly from the hirer.
Report any accident immediately to the Tuvalu Police (emergency 911) on Funafuti and do not move vehicles after an injury crash until police arrive. Given the tiny network, expect to settle directly with police and your rental provider.
Full driving guide for Tuvalu →