Can I drive in Mauritius with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
No. Smartraveller says: “To drive in Mauritius, you need to be at least 18 years old and have either: a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted); or; an International Driving Permit (IDP)” (Smartraveller advice for Mauritius, checked on 17 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for Mauritius: “Local travel” › “Driver's license”
To drive in Mauritius, you need to be at least 18 years old and have either:
- a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted); or
- an International Driving Permit (IDP)
Obtain your IDP before leaving Australia.
Source: Smartraveller: Mauritius, page updated 17 October 2026, “still current at” 17 October 2026 (Australian time), checked on 17 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026.
Hire a car in Mauritius
Hiring a car in Mauritius? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Other licences in Mauritius
| Licence | In Mauritius | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | No IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Mauritius
- British passport: Mauritius entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Mauritius
- Australian passport: Mauritius
- Italian citizens: Mauritius
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Mauritius with an Australian driver's licence?
No. Smartraveller says: “To drive in Mauritius, you need to be at least 18 years old and have either: a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted); or; an International Driving Permit (IDP)” (Smartraveller advice for Mauritius, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in Mauritius with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “To drive in Mauritius, you need to be at least 18 years old and have either: a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted); or; an International Driving Permit (IDP)”
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 17 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for an Australian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.