Destinations / Zimbabwe
Driving in Zimbabwe as a visitor
Usually yes. Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 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?
Usually yes. Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe accept?
Zimbabwe recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Zimbabwe ask for one?
Harare 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.