Destinations / Mozambique
Driving in Mozambique as a visitor
Usually yes. Mozambique 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 Mozambique expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| 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?
Usually yes. Mozambique 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 Mozambique accept?
Mozambique recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Mozambique ask for one?
Maputo desks request an IDP for non-Portuguese licences; carry reflective vests.
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.