What License Do You Need to Drive in Wallis and Futuna?

You're ready to hit the coastal roads of Wallis and Futuna LINK#TT064, but what licence is required to legally drive? For most visitors, your overseas licence will be just fine for renting and driving a car in Wallis and Futuna.

If, however, you've read our What You Need to Hire a Car in Wallis and Futuna LINK#T010, you may have noticed that a very small selection of visitors are also recommended to have an International Driver's Permit in order to rent and legally drive a car.

We go through it all and clear up any confusion in this complete guide to using your overseas licence to drive in Wallis and Futuna.

For more car hire tips, be sure to head to the 10 Best Car Rentals in Wallis and Futuna LINK#T010.

Table of Contents

Overseas Licenses Accepted in Wallis and Futuna

It's pretty simple. Most overseas driver's licenses are accepted in Wallis and Futuna, as long as they are full and still valid.

The only hurdle foreigners may encounter is if their driver's license is not written in Latin/Roman script. Some car rental companies require an overseas license to be written in the Latin alphabet, or else you need to have a certified translation to accompany your license, such as an IDP (International Driver's Permit). More on that is detailed in the "How to Apply for an International Driving Permit" section below.

Paperwork drivers license
Ā© Wallis&FutunaPocketGuide.com

Conditions of Driving in Wallis and Futuna on an Overseas Driver's License

Driving in Wallis and Futuna with an overseas licence has a few conditions and restrictions. These include that you can only drive:

  • If you're over the age of 18 (although most rental companies only hire to ages 21+ or 25+),
  • for up to one year in Wallis and Futuna,
  • If your licence is not revoked, suspended or disqualified,
  • and only the motor vehicle class that you are entitled to drive in your home country.
How to apply for IDP, licenses for American Samoa
Ā© Wallis&FutunaPocketGuide.com

How to Apply for an International Driving Permit

If your driver's license from your home country is not written in Latin/Roman script, then it's best to travel to Wallis and Futuna with both your original driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP).

You need to apply for an IDPĀ beforeĀ you leave the country in which your driving license is issued. You cannot apply for an IDP for an overseas driving license in Wallis and Futuna.

How you apply for your IDP varies between countries. While in some countries you can only apply in person at a local transport authority or government, in others, you can simply apply online or by post.

The best way to find out how to apply for an International Driving Permit is to contact your countryā€™s transport authority.

What You Need to Apply for an IDP

In most cases, the following is required to apply for an International Driving Permit:

  • A photocopy ofĀ both sides of your driving license
  • A recentĀ passport-style photograph
  • A completedĀ application form
  • Some countries may require a copy of yourĀ national identity card
  • Some countries may requireĀ a fee.

Be aware that your application could take up to a month to process, so be sure to start the IDP application process as soon as possible! Typically, IDPs are valid for three years from the issue date.

A Warning About International Driving Permit Scam Websites

We noticed that there are a lot of scam websites when researching this article. This article from the official International Driving Permit website (internationaldrivingpermit.org), lists a few of the scam websites to avoid.

More About Driving in Wallis and Futuna

Now that you know what licence you need for driving in Wallis and Futuna and whether your overseas licence is accepted, here are some guides with tips on how to drive, rent a vehicle and more!

Finally, check out more ways of getting around the country in our Wallis & Futuna Transport Guide: 10 Best Ways to Get Around Wallis & Futuna.