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World Driving Permit

🇨🇩 Do you need an IDP to drive in Congo - Kinshasa?

IDP required· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 18 Jun 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires

Short answer

Yes — to drive in DR Congo you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. DR Congo recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required.

Driving in Congo - Kinshasa: the rule explained

DR Congo is a French-speaking country party to the 1968 Vienna Convention, and UK FCDO advice states you need a 1968 International Driving Permit alongside your home licence. Roads are poorly maintained, largely unpaved, and accident rates are high. Security-force roadblocks are common, especially after dark, so keep documents ready.

Exemption: No license-exemption regime for tourists is published; the 1968 IDP plus home licence is the expected combination.

Renting a car in Congo - Kinshasa

Self-drive rental is very limited and most companies in Kinshasa hire vehicles with a professional driver; where self-drive exists they require a valid 1968 IDP plus the home licence and passport.

Motorcycles & scooters: Motorcycle taxis (motos) are widely used but high-risk; a rider would need the matching IDP category and is strongly discouraged given road conditions.

What to carry when driving in Congo - Kinshasa

  • 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
  • 1968 Vienna IDP (cannot be obtained inside the country)
  • Passport and visa documents to show at roadblocks
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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.

Congo - Kinshasa: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in DR Congo?
Yes — to drive in DR Congo you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. DR Congo recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. DR Congo is a French-speaking country party to the 1968 Vienna Convention, and UK FCDO advice states you need a 1968 International Driving Permit alongside your home licence. Roads are poorly maintained, largely unpaved, and accident rates are high. Security-force roadblocks are common, especially after dark, so keep documents ready.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in DR Congo?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in DR Congo read your licence, but where DR Congo requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in DR Congo?
Self-drive rental is very limited and most companies in Kinshasa hire vehicles with a professional driver; where self-drive exists they require a valid 1968 IDP plus the home licence and passport.
Which IDP convention does DR Congo use?
DR Congo 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.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in DR Congo?
Because DR Congo follows the 1968 Vienna Convention, an IDP is valid for up to three years, or until your national licence expires — whichever comes first. The permit is only valid alongside your original national licence, and it cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one from your home country's authorised issuer when it lapses.

Official sources

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

Driving to Congo - Kinshasa from your country

Requirements for other countries