Does Sixt require an IDP in Panama?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Sixt in Panama: 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.
Panama drives on the right and lets visitors use a valid foreign licence for up to 90 days; an IDP is advised for non-Latin-script holders.
In Panama specifically, panama lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Sixt still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Panama City desks accept many licences; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
Sixt runs a europe / global network; at its Panama desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Panama drives on the right, uses the PAB, and sets a minimum driving age of 18; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the Sixt counter in Panama
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the PAB deposit; Panama drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Panama Sixt renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Heavy congestion in Panama City.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Corredor toll expressways in the capital.
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 Panama
Panama City's Corredor Sur and Corredor Norte are 100% electronic with NO cash option, requiring a prepaid PanaPass transponder; a typical airport-to-city run costs about US$3-8 in tolls. Rentals usually come with a PanaPass.
Use paid garages at malls (Albrook, Multiplaza) and hotels in Panama City; the historic Casco Viejo has restricted, tight street parking and tow risk, while informal attendants expect a US$1-2 tip elsewhere.
Speeding, no seatbelt and handheld phone use draw fixed fines, and speed cameras plus checkpoints are common in and around Panama City; rental companies pass any camera/transit fines to the card on file with a handling fee.
Do not move the vehicles until the Transito police arrive and document the scene; dial 911 for police and ambulance. The transit (parte) report is required for insurance and rental claims.
Full driving guide for Panama →