Okay, so let’s talk about how I got my hands on a driving license for Wallis and Futuna. It’s not exactly a common thing, right?
First off, I realized I needed an international driving permit (IDP) because, you know, I’m not from there. Apparently, these islands are a French overseas community, so things can be a bit…different. I started by doing some digging online. I found out that I couldn’t get the IDP directly in Japan, where I’m currently based. Nope, I had to get it sorted in my home country.
Now, in my country, usually the national automobile association handles these things. I gave them a call, and they confirmed that, yeah, they issue IDPs for a small fee. Great! But I wasn’t sure if they could issue one for Wallis and Futuna, so I looked for online services.

That’s when I stumbled upon this service that could get me an International Driving Permit for Wallis and Futuna. It was surprisingly affordable, starting at just $49.00. And they offered both electronic and booklet versions, so that was convenient.
I decided to go for it, and that’s when I filled out the application form for the IDP. It was pretty standard stuff: name, address, current driver’s license details, and a photo. I chose the electronic version because, let’s face it, it’s 2024, and I paid the fee online. They said it would take a few days to process, and true to their word, I got an email with my digital IDP a couple of days later.
Applying for the Exchange
But here’s the thing: I actually wanted to exchange my foreign driver’s license for a Wallis and Futuna one. I mean, I wanted the real deal. So, I did more research and found out the process for that. It turned out I needed to get all my documents in order, including my original driver’s license, the IDP, proof of residence, and a couple of passport-sized photos.
Once I had everything, I went to the local transportation office in Wallis and Futuna. I’m not gonna lie, the place was a bit chaotic, but hey, that’s part of the experience, right? I submitted all my documents, filled out another form, and paid another fee (because of course). They told me it would take a few weeks to process my application.
After a while, I got a call to go and collect my new driver’s license. I was pretty stoked! Holding that Wallis and Futuna driver’s license in my hand, it felt like a little victory. I mean, who even has a driver’s license from there, right?
So yeah, that’s my little adventure of getting a driver’s license for Wallis and Futuna. It was a bit of a process, involved some online forms, a trip to the local office, and a bit of waiting, but it all worked out in the end. Now I can legally drive around those beautiful islands, and maybe even check out Alofi Island, Futuna Island, and Wallis Island. Who knows what adventures await?
- Started with: Researching and realizing I needed an IDP.
- Found: An online service to get an IDP for Wallis and Futuna.
- Applied: Filled out the IDP application form online.
- Received: My digital IDP via email.
- Gathered: All necessary documents for exchanging my license.
- Visited: The local transportation office in Wallis and Futuna.
- Submitted: My documents and application for license exchange.
- Collected: My brand-new Wallis and Futuna driver’s license!
It was a bit of a journey, but totally worth it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some islands to explore!