Destinations / Namibia
Driving in Namibia as a visitor
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. Namibia drives on the left across vast gravel roads; visitors can use an English licence, with an IDP advised for non-English licences.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Namibia 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 | 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 | 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 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?
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. Namibia drives on the left across vast gravel roads; visitors can use an English licence, with an IDP advised for non-English licences.
Which translation format is used for Namibia?
Namibia 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 Namibia ask for a translation?
An IDP is recommended for non-English licences; gravel-road insurance advised.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Namibia?
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.