Destinations / Afghanistan
Driving in Afghanistan as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Afghanistan drives on the right; an IDP is expected with your home licence, though most visitors travel with hired drivers given road conditions.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Afghanistan expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Afghanistan drives on the right; an IDP is expected with your home licence, though most visitors travel with hired drivers given road conditions.
Which translation format is used for Afghanistan?
Afghanistan uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Afghanistan ask for a translation?
Self-drive rental is uncommon; an IDP and passport are expected where available.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Afghanistan?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Asia
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.