Does Thrifty require an IDP in Seychelles?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Thrifty in Seychelles: the policy in plain terms
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The Seychelles drive on the left; visitors can use a valid licence for short stays, with an IDP advised for non-Latin-script holders.
In Seychelles specifically, seychelles lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Thrifty still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Mahé desks accept many foreign licences; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Seychelles desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Seychelles drives on the left, uses the SCR, 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 Thrifty counter in Seychelles
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the SCR deposit; Seychelles drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Seychelles Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Narrow, hilly roads on Mahé and Praslin.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
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 Seychelles
Seychelles has no toll roads or vignette system - all public roads on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue are free to use.
Paid and time-limited parking applies in central Victoria; use marked bays and pay-and-display areas, as illegal parking draws a fine of up to SCR 1,000 and central Victoria parking is very limited at peak times.
Driving without proper documents can bring an SCR 5,000 fine, drink-driving an SCR 10,000 fine plus possible jail, and seatbelt offences are fined for driver and passengers; fines are issued by the Traffic Unit and unpaid amounts are passed on by rental firms.
For minor damage drivers may settle between themselves, but for injury or significant damage you must call the police (and ambulance if needed) and not leave the scene; obtain a police report for any insurance or rental claim.
Full driving guide for Seychelles →