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World Driving Permit

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

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

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires
Driving side
Left-hand

Short answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Tanzania, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Tanzania follows the 1968 Vienna 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 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
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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; where one is used, Tanzania follows the 1968 Vienna 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. 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 where Tanzania 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 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.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Tanzania?
Because Tanzania 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 Tanzania from your country

Requirements for other countries