Do you need an International Driving Permit in Namibia?

Namibia and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Namibia

Namibia 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 Namibia

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 Namibia

The Government of Canada advises carrying either an International Driving Permit or a locally issued licence in Namibia.

Traffic drives on

The left

Blood alcohol limit

0.08%

Emergency services

police 10111, ambulance 10177, fire 998

Common questions about driving in Namibia

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Namibia?

Up to 1 year. Namibia joined the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic on 13 October 1993 by succession, 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 Namibia on my national licence alone?

The Government of Canada states: "Insurance companies and rental car agencies may require an IDP or Namibian driver’s licence to honour insurance claims, even if such proof was not requested when purchasing the insurance policy." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Namibia's road authority before you travel.

Which side of the road does Namibia 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 Namibia?

Reach police on 10111, ambulance on 10177, fire on 998. The Government of Canada publishes these numbers for Namibia. 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 Namibia?

0.08% 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 Namibia?

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.