Do you need an International Driving Permit in Botswana?

Botswana and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Botswana

Botswana applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1949 Geneva Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E

What each category covers under the 1949 Geneva Convention

What to carry when you drive in Botswana

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Italian
• German
• Russian
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Thai
• Vietnamese

What the road rules say in Botswana

The UK Foreign Office and the Government of Canada both advise that a foreign national licence is accepted for a limited period in Botswana, for stays of up to 90 days.

Traffic drives on

The left

Blood alcohol limit

0.05%

Emergency services

police 999, ambulance 997, fire 998

The UK Foreign Office names the 1949 convention for Botswana, which matches the United Nations depositary record above.

Common questions about driving in Botswana

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Botswana?

Up to 1 year. Botswana joined the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic on 3 January 1967 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 1 year from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.

Can I drive in Botswana on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "You can drive with a UK driving licence for up to 90 days." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Botswana's road authority before you travel.

Which side of the road does Botswana drive on?

The left. If you normally drive on the right, take extra care at junctions and roundabouts for the first few days, and consider an automatic hire car so you are not also changing gear with the other hand.

What do I dial in an emergency in Botswana?

Reach police on 999, ambulance on 997, fire on 998. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Botswana. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.

What is the drink-drive limit in Botswana?

0.05% blood alcohol. That is lower than many drivers expect, and a single drink can put you over it.

Does the permit replace my driving licence in Botswana?

No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.