Do you need an International Driving Permit in Uganda?

Uganda and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Uganda

Uganda applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1968 Vienna 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
• BE, CE, DE

What each category covers under the 1968 Vienna Convention

What to carry when you drive in Uganda

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 Uganda

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

Traffic drives on

The left

Minimum driving age

18 years

Emergency services

general 999, police 999, ambulance 999, fire 999

The UK Foreign Office names the 1949 convention for Uganda. Note this differs from the United Nations depositary record above, so carry both your licence and the permit and check locally.

Common questions about driving in Uganda

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Uganda?

Up to 3 years. Uganda joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 23 August 2022 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 3 years from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.

Can I drive in Uganda on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "You can drive in Uganda with a UK driving licence for up to 3 months." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Uganda's road authority before you travel.

Which side of the road does Uganda 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 Uganda?

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

Does the permit replace my driving licence in Uganda?

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.