Destinations / Afghanistan
Driving in Afghanistan as a visitor
Usually yes. Afghanistan expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Afghanistan expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 119 (police) |
| Top speed limit | 90 km/h highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in AFN. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
|---|---|
| Local practice | Checkpoints are frequent. |
| Roads | Drive defensively on poorly maintained roads. |
On the road in Afghanistan
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are sold mainly at small roadside stations, often dispensed by attendants, and fuel quality is variable. Payment is cash only (afghani) as card acceptance is virtually nonexistent; keep the tank full because stations are sparse between towns.
After a crash
After any crash do not move the vehicles and contact local police, though emergency response is unreliable; the 119 line is the nominal police number. A police report is needed for insurance and to pass checkpoints, but for safety travellers are advised to involve their embassy and a local fixer immediately.
Sources: internationaldrivingpermit.org · adcidl.com · traveldocsonline.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Afghanistan?
Usually yes. Afghanistan expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Afghanistan accept?
Afghanistan recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Afghanistan ask for one?
Self-drive rental is uncommon; an IDP and passport are expected where available.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.