Travel alerts & warnings
Montserrat driving guide.
Driving in Montserrat means quiet roads, steep hills and narrow bends, with occasional livestock and limited street lighting. Brades is the main administrative centre and a practical starting point, while volcanic exclusion zones restrict access to much of the south.
- Advisory
- Normal precautions
- Drives on
- Left
- Best season
- January to April…
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Montserrat is generally a safe destination for travelers.
- Exercise normal precautionin Montserrat.
- Montserrat regularly experiences hurricanes. Review our information on Weather and Natural Disasters in Montserrat.
- Soufrière Hills volcano
- The Soufrière Hills volcano has been active since 1995. The last major volcanic activity occurred in 2010. There are 5 exclusion zones around the volcano. Visitors must obtain special permission to enter the most restricted zone in southern Montserrat. Do not enter these zones without a special permit.
- Review our Travel Guidance for Montserrat to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
Driving there
Your permit in Montserrat
- Montserrat honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Not party to the 1949 convention; the International Driving Permit is honored.
- Requires presentation to local police and payment of a special registration upon arrival.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Montserrat
Keep left and take bends slowly
Wear seat belts and approach blind bends cautiously; some roads have little shoulder space. Avoid unnecessary night driving because lighting is limited and pedestrians or animals can be difficult to see.
No tolls, but restricted roads
Montserrat has no toll roads. Check current volcanic access restrictions with the Montserrat Volcano Observatory or local authorities; never enter closed areas around Plymouth or Soufrière Hills independently.
Refuel before exploring
Fuel stations are limited and concentrated in the inhabited north. Check opening hours, fill up before longer outings and do not expect fuel near remote viewpoints or the exclusion zone.
Watch low speed limits
Follow posted limits, including 20 mph (32 km/h) limits in built-up areas. Drive more slowly on steep gradients, wet surfaces and tight bends; short distances can take longer than expected.
Arrange a local licence and carry documents
A temporary Montserrat driving licence is required; an International Driving Permit does not replace it. Ask your rental company how to obtain one before driving, reserve ahead and confirm age requirements. Carry your local licence, home licence, IDP and rental documents for police checks.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Montserrat
Little Bay
Northwest coast · About 10 minutes from Brades.
An accessible waterfront with a beach, places to eat and views of the island’s working harbour.
Woodlands Beach
West coast, Woodlands · About 15–20 minutes from Brades.
A scenic black-sand beach beneath green cliffs; enjoy the setting, but assess surf and currents before swimming.
Runaway Ghaut
West-central Montserrat, near Woodlands · About 15 minutes from Brades.
A short roadside stop at a lush ravine and spring associated with local folklore; park safely clear of traffic.
Montserrat Volcano Observatory
Flemmings, near Salem · About 20–25 minutes from Brades.
Learn about Soufrière Hills and its eruptions, with volcano views when conditions are clear. Confirm visitor opening hours before setting out.
Jack Boy Hill
Eastern Montserrat · About 30–40 minutes from Brades, subject to road conditions.
A viewpoint overlooking volcanic deposits and the area of the former airport, with striking views toward Soufrière Hills in clear weather.
Rendezvous Beach
Northwest coast, north of Little Bay · About 10 minutes from Brades to Little Bay, then roughly 45–60 minutes on foot or a boat transfer.
Montserrat’s distinctive pale-sand beach is reached by a steep walking trail or boat, not by road. Bring water and arrange your onward access from Little Bay.
Heading to Montserrat?
Apply online in about ten minutes. We print and mail your permit, and you can track it the whole way.