Traveling to Colombia offers a vibrant mix of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and exciting adventures. For U.S. visitors planning to explore the country by car, a common question arises: Can you drive in Colombia with a U.S. driver’s license?
Whether you’re embarking on a road trip through the Andes or navigating bustling city streets, understanding the rules for foreign drivers in Colombia is of great importance if you don’t want to get fined or if you want to rent a car in the country.
Warning: This article does not constitute legal advice.
Does Colombia Accept US Driver’s License?
Yes, Colombia allows U.S. citizens to drive using their valid U.S. driver’s license for up to six months from their date of entry. After this six-month period, you are required to obtain a Colombian driver’s license to continue driving legally within the country. In order for it to be valid, you will also have to carry with you your passport.
It’s important to note that while an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not mandatory in Colombia, having one can be beneficial. An IDP serves as an official translation of your U.S. driver’s license and can facilitate interactions with local authorities, especially in areas where English is not widely spoken.
If you plan to stay in Colombia beyond six months and wish to continue driving, you’ll need to apply for a Colombian driver’s license.
Do I Need an International Driving Permit to Drive in Colombia?
As mentioned, no, you don’t need an international driving permit to drive in Colombia, however, it is recommended to have one, since it might make communication with the local authorities easier. n IDP serves as an official translation of your U.S. license, which can be beneficial when interacting with local authorities, especially in areas where English is not widely spoken.
What Countries Accept U.S. Driver’s License?
Only two countries fully recognize driver license’s from the US: Canada and Mexico. However, this does not mean you can’t drive with your home license in all the other countries, what this basically means is your license will have the same level of validity and rights as in Canada and Mexico as their local licenses.
In other countries, you will be allowed to drive with your home license up to a maximum amount of days without obtaining any further documentation.
For example, in Europe, you will be able to drive with your home license – without any further documentation – for up to 90 days.
In Colombia, as mentioned earlier, this period might be even longer.
Can I Travel to Colombia Without My US Passport?
No, if you do not have Colombian nationality, you will need to carry your US passport with you in order to travel to Colombia. You will need it to enter the country, but also to drive.
In Sum, Can I Use My U.S. Driver’s License in Colombia?
Yes, you can use your U.S. driver’s license in Colombia for up to six months from the date of your entry into the country. This is allowed under Colombian law, making it convenient for short-term visitors. However, if you plan to stay longer than six months, you will need to obtain a Colombian driver’s license to continue driving legally.
While an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required, it is recommended as it provides an official translation of your U.S. license, which can be helpful during interactions with local authorities, especially in non-English-speaking areas.