Destinations / Angola
Driving in Angola as a visitor
Usually yes. Angola 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 Angola expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 113 (police), 112 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 120 km/h expressways where signed |
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 AOA. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| City zones | Heavy congestion in Luanda. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.06% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Angola
At the pump
Fuel is heavily subsidised and very cheap: petrol around USD 0.28 and diesel around USD 0.18 per litre. Stations are reliable in Luanda and larger towns but can run short in rural areas, so fill up before long trips and carry cash (kwanza), as card acceptance is limited.
After a crash
Drive on the right; after a crash stop and do not move the vehicles, and call police on 113 (ambulance 112, fire 115). Get a police report for your insurer or rental firm, and be aware that response can be slow and English is rarely spoken.
Sources: gov.uk · tyremap.com · rhinocarhire.com · internationaldriversassociation.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Angola?
Usually yes. Angola 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 Angola accept?
Angola recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Angola ask for one?
Luanda desks request an IDP; 4x4 advised outside the capital.
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.