Destinations / Burundi
Driving in Burundi as a visitor
Usually yes. Burundi 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 Burundi expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 117 (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 BIF. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Roads | Hilly, winding rural roads. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Burundi
At the pump
Fuel supply is unreliable and periodic shortages with long queues occur, especially outside Bujumbura, so fill up whenever possible and carry spare fuel for remote travel. Pay in Burundian francs cash; card acceptance at pumps is minimal.
After a crash
Drive on the right; after a crash stop, do not move the vehicles, and report to the police (emergency lines around 117/112) and obtain a report for insurance, which is compulsory third-party. Stay alert at the scene, as crowds can form and tensions rise quickly.
Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com · adcidl.com · curiousexpeditions.org · internationaltravelpermits.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Burundi?
Usually yes. Burundi 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 Burundi accept?
Burundi recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Burundi ask for one?
Bujumbura desks request an IDP for non-French licences.
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.