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World Driving Permit

🇲🇼 Do you need an IDP to drive in Malawi?

IDP recommended· the 1949 Geneva Convention· Last reviewed 18 Jun 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
1 year from issue

Short answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Malawi, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Malawi follows the 1949 Geneva Convention. Carry it alongside your original national licence. 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 Malawi: the rule explained

Malawi drives on the LEFT and accepts a valid English-language home licence for short tourist stays of up to 90 days. An IDP extends the allowance to up to one year and is commonly requested by rental firms, especially for non-English licences. Police checkpoints are routine, so always carry the licence.

Exemption: English-language licences (e.g. UK/US/Australia) are accepted for up to 90 days without an IDP.

Renting a car in Malawi

Rental companies frequently require both the original national licence and an IDP, plus a minimum age and a year of driving experience.

Motorcycles & scooters: An IDP/licence category covering motorcycles is needed to hire a motorbike; helmets are mandatory.

What to carry when driving in Malawi

  • 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
  • Carry licence for police checkpoints
  • IDP if licence not in English
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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.

Malawi: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Malawi?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Malawi, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Malawi follows the 1949 Geneva Convention. Carry it alongside your original national licence. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. Malawi drives on the LEFT and accepts a valid English-language home licence for short tourist stays of up to 90 days. An IDP extends the allowance to up to one year and is commonly requested by rental firms, especially for non-English licences. Police checkpoints are routine, so always carry the licence.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Malawi?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Malawi read your licence, but where Malawi requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Malawi?
Rental companies frequently require both the original national licence and an IDP, plus a minimum age and a year of driving experience.
Which IDP convention does Malawi use?
Malawi recognises IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva 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 Malawi?
Because Malawi follows the 1949 Geneva Convention, an IDP is valid for one year from its date of issue. 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 Malawi from your country

Requirements for other countries