Destinations / Angola
Driving in Angola as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Angola drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence, and Luanda's traffic and rough rural roads call for caution.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Angola 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 | 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 | 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 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Angola drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence, and Luanda's traffic and rough rural roads call for caution.
Which translation format is used for Angola?
Angola 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 Angola ask for a translation?
Luanda desks request an IDP; 4x4 advised outside the capital.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Angola?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Africa
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.