Can I drive in Samoa with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
An IDP alone is not enough: you need a local licence or permit. Smartraveller says: “You need a temporary Samoan driver's licence to drive.” (Smartraveller advice for Samoa, 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 Samoa: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
You need a temporary Samoan driver's licence to drive.
Get a temporary licence from:
- Samoa Tourism Fale
- Land and Transport Authority
- some car hire agencies
You'll need to show your valid Australian licence and pay a fee.
Source: Smartraveller: Samoa, page updated 5 August 2026, “still current at” 18 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 Samoa
Local permit needed in Samoa: the official advice quoted above says an IDP alone is not enough with an Australian licence, and that you need a local licence or permit. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Hiring a car in Samoa? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars.
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Other licences in Samoa
| Licence | In Samoa | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | Local permit needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | Local permit needed | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Samoa
- British passport: Samoa entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Samoa
- Australian passport: Samoa
- Italian citizens: Samoa
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Samoa with an Australian driver's licence?
An IDP alone is not enough: you need a local licence or permit. Smartraveller says: “You need a temporary Samoan driver's licence to drive.” (Smartraveller advice for Samoa, checked on 17 October 2026).
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.