Destinations / Malawi
Driving in Malawi as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Malawi drives on the left; an IDP is advised if your licence is not in English, and rural roads call for daytime travel.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Malawi expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 997 (police), 998 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h on the M1 highway |
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 MWK. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| After dark | Avoid night driving on rural roads. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Local practice | Watch for pedestrians and cyclists. |
On the road in Malawi
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are sold at attended stations; periodic nationwide fuel shortages and queues occur, so refuel in towns whenever possible and carry a jerrycan for long trips. Payment is usually cash; card acceptance is limited.
After a crash
Drive on the left. After a crash, report it to the police, who issue the report required for insurance/rental claims; do not move vehicles where there are injuries. Drive defensively and avoid travel outside towns after dark due to a high accident rate.
Sources: countryreports.org · police.gov.mw · nyasatimes.com · internationaldriversassociation.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Malawi?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Malawi drives on the left; an IDP is advised if your licence is not in English, and rural roads call for daytime travel.
Which translation format is used for Malawi?
Malawi 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 Malawi ask for a translation?
Lilongwe desks request an IDP for non-English licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Malawi?
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.