Does Sixt require an IDP in Sao Tome and Principe?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Sixt in Sao Tome and Principe: 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.
São Tomé and Príncipe drive on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence on these small equatorial islands.
In Sao Tome and Principe specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Sao Tome and Principe ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Sixt will typically ask for it at the counter. Limited island rental; an IDP and passport advised.
Sixt runs a europe / global network; at its Sao Tome and Principe desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Sao Tome and Principe drives on the right, uses the STN, 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 Sao Tome and Principe
- 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 STN deposit; Sao Tome and Principe drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Sao Tome and Principe Sixt renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Narrow, hilly island roads.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Carry passport, IDP and home licence.
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 Sao Tome and Principe
There are no toll roads on the islands; the limited road network is free to use, with no vignette or electronic toll system.
Parking in Sao Tome city is informal and free or low-cost, typically on-street; there are no paid metered zones or parking apps, though attendants may watch cars for a small tip.
Traffic fines for speeding or seatbelt offences are modest and usually settled on the spot in cash with police; rental companies pass any fines back to the renter.
Stop and remain at the scene, call the police (dial 112 in Sao Tome), and obtain a police report for any insurance or rental claim before vehicles are moved where possible.
Full driving guide for Sao Tome and Principe →