Destinations / Zambia
Driving in Zambia as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Zambia drives on the left and signs the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is advised if your licence is not in English.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Zambia expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Zambia drives on the left and signs the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is advised if your licence is not in English.
Which translation format is used for Zambia?
Zambia uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Zambia ask for a translation?
Lusaka desks request an IDP for non-English licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Zambia?
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.