Destinations / Zambia
Driving in Zambia as a visitor
Usually yes. Zambia 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 Zambia expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 999 (police), 991 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h on the Great North 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 ZMW. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| In the car | Reflective triangles required for breakdowns. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Fuel | Long distances between fuel stops. |
On the road in Zambia
At the pump
Stations are attendant-served selling petrol and diesel at roughly K30-K34 per litre (about USD 1.20-1.30); carry spare fuel and water for remote travel as stations are sparse outside towns, and expect to share roads with livestock and pedestrians.
After a crash
Call police on 991 (general emergency 999); for injuries or major damage a police report is mandatory and needed for insurance, do not move vehicles, and always ask for a receipt for any fine. Notify your rental firm before arranging recovery.
Sources: internationaltravelpermits.com · tyremap.com · globalpetrolprices.com · lusaka365.co
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Zambia?
Usually yes. Zambia 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 Zambia accept?
Zambia recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Zambia ask for one?
Lusaka desks request an IDP for non-English licences.
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.