Does Thrifty require an IDP in Comoros?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Thrifty in Comoros: the policy in plain terms
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The Comoros drive on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence on these small, mountainous islands.
In Comoros specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Comoros ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Thrifty will typically ask for it at the counter. Limited rental on Grande Comore; an IDP and passport advised.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Comoros desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Comoros drives on the right, uses the KMF, 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 Thrifty counter in Comoros
- 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 KMF deposit; Comoros drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Comoros Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Narrow, winding island roads.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Carry passport, IDP and home licence.
Thrifty's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Thrifty's published minimum rental age is 20 at most U.S. and Canada locations (18 in Michigan, New York, and Quebec); drivers aged 20-24 (or 18-24 in those exception states/province) are charged an Underage Drivers fee that varies by location, typically around $29/day and higher (roughly $35-$52) in New York and Michigan.
A valid credit/debit card in the renter's own name is required and a hold is placed for estimated charges plus roughly $200 extra for credit cards or $500 for debit (about $350 CAD in Canada); Visa/Mastercard/Discover debit cards are accepted only on Compact through Fullsize classes (not Premium and above) and a physical card must be presented as digital-wallet cards are not accepted.
Additional drivers must meet the minimum age requirement and hold a valid licence, and an additional-driver fee applies per day; it is waived for Blue Chip Rewards members, government renters on official orders, corporate-rate customers, and the companion/driver of a physically impaired customer. Thrifty's general policy requires a valid driver's licence covering the entire rental period but does not publish a fixed minimum tenure; in practice under-25 renters are typically expected to have held a full licence for at least one year.
Driving is generally restricted to the continental United States and Canada, and a Canadian resident is prohibited from driving a U.S.-owned vehicle into Canada; one-way rentals are offered within the U.S. and within Canada subject to location/availability with a one-way drop fee.
Foreign renters must present a driver's licence issued in their country of residence together with a valid passport; if the licence is not in English, Thrifty requires both the foreign licence and a current International Driver's Permit to be presented.
Once you collect the keys in Comoros
There are no motorway toll systems or vignettes in Comoros; the road network is short island roads with no electronic tolling. Budget only for fuel and the occasional informal road-block, not tolls.
Parking is informal and unmetered, mostly on-street in Moroni; there are no colour-coded paid zones or apps. Informal attendants may watch your car for a small tip, and you should avoid blocking narrow village lanes.
Drink-driving is treated strictly with a near-zero tolerance, carrying fines and possible detention. Police checkpoints are common near town exits; fines are typically settled on the spot in cash, so keep your documents visible and ask for a receipt.
Stop at the scene, do not move vehicles if there are injuries, and wait for police; contact the gendarmerie/police (emergency 17) to file a report needed for insurance. Exchange details with the other driver where possible.
Full driving guide for Comoros →