Can you drive in Curaçao with your own licence?

Driving · 2 min read · Checked November 7, 2026

Short answer

Yes. Most visitors drive in Curaçao with the valid licence from their home country. If your licence is not written in Latin letters, bring an International Driving Permit too. Each rental company sets its own minimum age, usually between 21 and 25.

What to bring to the rental desk

Your original driving licence, valid for your whole stay. A photo or copy is not enough.
Your passport or ID card.
A credit card in the driver's name. Many companies do not take debit cards for the deposit.
An International Driving Permit, only if your licence is not in Latin letters or your rental company asks for one.

Age and experience

There is no single island rule. Each rental company sets its own minimum age and how long you must have had your licence.

Minimum age: usually 21 to 25, by company and car type.
Licence held for: usually 1 to 2 years.
Young driver fee: often charged to drivers under 25.

Under 25? Ask before you book. Local companies are often more flexible than the big airport brands. You can compare them on our car rental page.

Driving on the island

Curaçao drives on the right. Distances are short and the main roads are good. Roads around Willemstad are busy at rush hour, and the road west to Westpunt is narrow and winding, with beautiful views.

Expect roundabouts on the main roads around Willemstad.
Watch for goats and iguanas on the country roads in the west.
Beach car parks are often sand or gravel. Never leave bags or valuables visible in the car.
Fill up in town before a long day out west.

Rather not drive?

Plenty of tours pick you up at your hotel. A jeep tour shows you the wild north coast while someone else drives.

Driving on the island? Read what the traffic signs mean and who has priority.

Sources: the rental terms of Sixt, Avis, Europcar and Enterprise at Curaçao airport, checked on 7 November 2026.

Photo: a car by the coast in Curaçao by DANIEL ALFARO C., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Curaçao?

Only if your licence is not written in Latin letters, or if your rental company asks for one. The permit is a translation and never replaces your own licence, so bring both.

Which side of the road do you drive on in Curaçao?

On the right, as in the Netherlands and the United States.

Can I rent a car in Curaçao at 21?

With some companies, usually with a young driver fee. Each company sets its own minimum age, so ask before you book.

Is it easy to drive in Curaçao?

Yes for most visitors. Distances are short, the main roads are good and the signs are easy to follow. Take it slow on the narrow roads in the west.