Does Sixt require an IDP in Barbados?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Sixt in Barbados: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for licences issued outside the EU and not in the Roman alphabet. Premium European brand with a fast-growing global network.
Barbados drives on the left and requires visitors to buy a local visitor's driving permit, usually arranged through the rental company.
In Barbados specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Barbados ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Sixt will typically ask for it at the counter. Rental desks issue the required local visitor's permit; carry your licence.
Sixt runs a europe / global network; at its Barbados desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Barbados drives on the left, uses the BBD, 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 Sixt counter in Barbados
- 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 BBD deposit; Barbados drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Barbados Sixt renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Buy a visitor's driving permit.
- Narrow rural roads and roundabouts.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
Sixt's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Minimum age is region-specific: typically 21 in the US (18 in New York, where an under-25 fee still applies) and 18 in much of continental Europe such as Germany and France; drivers aged 21-24 pay a young-driver surcharge of roughly USD 25-30 per day in the US (about GBP 36 per rental in the UK, around EUR 5-6 per day in markets like Cyprus), and under-25s are usually limited to economy through full-size sedans, midsize SUVs and minivans.
A credit or debit card in the main driver's name must be presented at pickup; Sixt holds a security deposit of at least USD 200 plus the rental amount on the card, with substantially higher holds on premium/high-value vehicles, and debit-card acceptance and limits vary by branch and vehicle class.
A per-rental additional-driver fee applies; extra drivers can be added at any Sixt branch during the rental provided the main driver is present and the additional driver shows a valid licence (some European markets waive the fee for a spouse/partner). The driver must typically have held a full valid licence for at least 1 year (rising to 2-3 years in higher-risk markets such as Cyprus, while Germany requires the licence be held only since at least the day before pickup).
Most Sixt passenger vehicles may be driven across borders into listed neighbouring countries (e.g. France, Germany, Spain, Italy within Europe), but you must notify and get authorisation from the pickup branch in advance; a cross-border and/or one-way drop-off fee applies, and certain vehicle classes and destination countries are restricted.
Sixt does not require an International Driving Permit everywhere, but states that where local law requires it the IDP must be carried alongside the original home licence; if the licence is in a non-Roman alphabet (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic, etc.) the renter must present an IDP or an official translation, and an official translation is also required if the issuing country is not party to the international driving-permit treaty.
Once you collect the keys in Barbados
Barbados has no toll roads; instead a Vehicle Rental Levy of up to BBD$35 per rental contract is charged on hire cars.
In Bridgetown park only where a 'P' sign is posted or in lots/garages; on-street parking outside marked bays risks a ticket, and the compact city centre fills quickly during the day.
Seatbelts are required and handheld phone use is prohibited; police issue fines for speeding and infractions, and rental firms charge any tickets back to the renter, often with a handling fee.
Call Police on 211 (Ambulance 511, Fire 311), do not move the vehicles, photograph the scene and exchange details; notify your rental company and obtain a police report for any insurance claim.
Full driving guide for Barbados →