Destinations / Tanzania
Driving in Tanzania as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Tanzania drives on the left; an IDP is advised if your licence is not in English, and self-drive safaris need a sturdy 4x4.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Tanzania 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 | 112 or 999 |
| Top speed limit | 110 km/h 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 TZS. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Animals | Wildlife and pedestrians on roads. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Speed | Police speed checks are routine. |
On the road in Tanzania
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are widely sold in cities (around USD 1.20 per litre in early 2025) but stations thin out on rural and safari routes; fill up before long drives and carry cash, as card acceptance is unreliable.
After a crash
Stop and remain at the scene; call police (general emergency 112, or 111/115) and obtain a police report, which is required for insurance and for the rental company. Do not move vehicles where there are injuries.
Sources: carrentaltz.com · automag.tz · zanzibartanzania.co.tz · idp-usa.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Tanzania?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Tanzania drives on the left; an IDP is advised if your licence is not in English, and self-drive safaris need a sturdy 4x4.
Which translation format is used for Tanzania?
Tanzania 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 Tanzania ask for a translation?
Dar es Salaam and Arusha desks request an IDP for non-English licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Tanzania?
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.