Destinations / Zimbabwe
Driving in Zimbabwe as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe 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 | 995 (police), 994 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 120 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 | 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 USD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Roads | Frequent police roadblocks. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| In the car | Carry reflective triangles and a fire extinguisher. |
On the road in Zimbabwe
At the pump
Stations are attendant-served selling petrol ('blend') and diesel, priced and paid mostly in US dollars; availability has improved but can still fluctuate, so fill up in major cities and carry a spare can before heading to outlying towns.
After a crash
Call police on 995 (or 999); for minor damage with no injuries you need not call police, but for injuries do not move the vehicles, photograph the scene and obtain a police report. A report is important for the rental firm and insurance.
Sources: greatzimbabweguide.com · aazimbabwe.co.zw · aazimbabwe.co.zw · zimpricecheck.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Zimbabwe?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe ask for a translation?
Harare desks request an IDP for non-English licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Zimbabwe?
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.