Destinations / Mozambique
Driving in Mozambique as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Mozambique drives on the left and signs the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is advised if your licence is not in Portuguese.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Mozambique expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 119 (police), 117 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 120 km/h on the N4 toll road |
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 | 1968 Vienna |
| 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 MZN. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| In the car | Two reflective triangles and a vest required. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.06% alcohol limit. |
| Local practice | Police checkpoints are routine. |
On the road in Mozambique
At the pump
Stations sell gasolina (petrol) and gasoleo/diesel and are mostly attended; they cluster in towns, so carry extra fuel for rural runs. As of 2026 reference prices were roughly 94 MZN/L petrol and 116 MZN/L diesel; cash is safest as card acceptance is patchy outside cities.
After a crash
All accidents involving foreign nationals must be reported to the police even with no injury, and you should obtain the police report for your insurer or rental company. Do not move vehicles before police attend and notify your embassy if serious.
Sources: rhinocarhire.com · internationaldriversassociation.com · clubofmozambique.com · internationaltravelpermits.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Mozambique?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Mozambique drives on the left and signs the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is advised if your licence is not in Portuguese.
Which translation format is used for Mozambique?
Mozambique uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Mozambique ask for a translation?
Maputo desks request an IDP for non-Portuguese licences; carry reflective vests.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Mozambique?
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.