Do you need an International Driving Permit in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe

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 Zimbabwe

The UK Foreign Office advises that a foreign national licence is accepted for a limited period in Zimbabwe, for stays of up to 365 days.

Traffic drives on

The left

Emergency services

general 112, police 112, ambulance 112, fire 112

Common questions about driving in Zimbabwe

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Zimbabwe?

Up to 3 years. Zimbabwe joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 31 July 1981 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 Zimbabwe on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "You can drive in Zimbabwe with a UK driving licence for up to 12 months." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Zimbabwe's road authority before you travel.

Which side of the road does Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe?

Reach general on 112, police on 112, ambulance on 112, fire on 112. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Zimbabwe. 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 Zimbabwe?

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.