Destinations / Namibia
Driving in Namibia as a visitor
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. Namibia accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
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 Namibia expects
| Permit needed | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 10111 (police) |
| Top speed limit | 120 km/h tarred 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 | Not required by law. Worth having if your licence is not printed in Latin script. |
| 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 NAD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Tyres | Gravel roads — reduce speed and watch tyres. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Fuel | Long distances between fuel stops. |
On the road in Namibia
At the pump
Stations are attended (no self-service) and a petrol attendant fills the tank; most take cards but rural stations can be cash-only, so refill at every town as distances between stations are long. Petrol and diesel are both widely sold.
After a crash
By law an accident must be reported at a police station or to a traffic officer within 24 hours; call the police on 10111. Do not move vehicles if there are injuries until police attend, photograph the scene, and notify your rental company.
Sources: travelbutlers.com · rhinocarhire.com · uncovernamibia.com · en.wikipedia.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Namibia?
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. Namibia accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
Which IDP format does Namibia accept?
Namibia recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Namibia ask for one?
An IDP is recommended for non-English licences; gravel-road insurance advised.
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.