🇹🇿 Do you need an IDP to drive in Tanzania?

IDP recommended· 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 17 Jun 2026

Short answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Tanzania, even where it is not always strictly enforced. Carry it alongside your original national licence.

Driving in Tanzania: the rule explained

Tanzania (a 1968 Vienna Convention party) lets foreign visitors drive on a home licence for up to 6 months per UK FCDO guidance, with an IDP recommended to support a non-English licence. Locally, authorities and rental firms commonly endorse the foreign licence/IDP for the visit rather than requiring conversion for tourists. Crucially, driving in Zanzibar additionally requires a local Zanzibar driving permit, normally arranged through the hire-car company.

Exemption: An English-language foreign licence is accepted on the mainland for short tourist stays; Zanzibar always needs a local permit.

Renting a car in Tanzania

Mainland rentals accept a foreign licence (carry an IDP/translation if not in English); for Zanzibar the rental company must arrange a local Zanzibar permit.

Motorcycles & scooters: Motorcycle and quad hire on Zanzibar also requires the local Zanzibar permit.

What to carry when driving in Tanzania

Original driving license (physical card)
Passport with valid visa/entry stamp
Translation companion or certified translation of your license
Proof of insurance covering the destination
Obtain a local Zanzibar driving permit via your hire company if driving on Zanzibar
Carry a 1968 IDP if your licence is not in English

Check your exact trip

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Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

Tanzania: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Tanzania?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Tanzania, even where it is not always strictly enforced. Carry it alongside your original national licence. Tanzania (a 1968 Vienna Convention party) lets foreign visitors drive on a home licence for up to 6 months per UK FCDO guidance, with an IDP recommended to support a non-English licence. Locally, authorities and rental firms commonly endorse the foreign licence/IDP for the visit rather than requiring conversion for tourists. Crucially, driving in Zanzibar additionally requires a local Zanzibar driving permit, normally arranged through the hire-car company.

Is a translated driving licence accepted in Tanzania?

A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Tanzania read your licence, but it does not replace an IDP where one is legally required. Always carry your original national licence with it.

What do I need to rent a car in Tanzania?

Mainland rentals accept a foreign licence (carry an IDP/translation if not in English); for Zanzibar the rental company must arrange a local Zanzibar permit.

Which IDP convention does Tanzania use?

Tanzania recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Make sure your IDP is issued by your own country's authorised issuer under the matching convention.

Official sources

UK FCDO — Tanzania safety and security (driving)

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? See how to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Requirements vary by country. Carry your translation together with your original driving licence and passport; some countries require an official IDP issued by an authorised body in your country of licence. Information provided is general guidance. Always check local regulations for your destination.