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World Driving Permit

🇺🇬 Do you need an IDP to drive in Uganda?

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

Key facts

IDP validity
1 year from issue
Driving side
Left-hand

Short answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Uganda, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Uganda 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 Uganda: the rule explained

Uganda drives on the LEFT. The UK FCDO states visitors can drive in Uganda with a home (UK) driving licence for up to 3 months; an English-language national licence stating vehicle classes is generally accepted by police for short tourist stays. For longer stays a 1949 International Driving Permit or a Ugandan licence is required. A certified English translation helps only if the home licence is not in English or the Roman alphabet.

Exemption: English-language home licences are generally accepted by police for tourist stays up to 3 months.

Renting a car in Uganda

Most rental firms ask for both the home licence and an IDP, and impose minimum age and licence-held experience conditions even when an IDP is not strictly legally mandatory.

Motorcycles & scooters: Riding a motorcycle (boda-boda) requires the corresponding category on the licence/IDP; road conditions and high accident rates make it high-risk.

What to carry when driving in Uganda

  • 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 original licence + passport in the vehicle at all times
  • Bring a 1949 IDP if staying beyond 3 months or if licence is not in English
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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.

Uganda: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Uganda?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Uganda, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Uganda 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. Uganda drives on the LEFT. The UK FCDO states visitors can drive in Uganda with a home (UK) driving licence for up to 3 months; an English-language national licence stating vehicle classes is generally accepted by police for short tourist stays. For longer stays a 1949 International Driving Permit or a Ugandan licence is required. A certified English translation helps only if the home licence is not in English or the Roman alphabet.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Uganda?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Uganda read your licence, but where Uganda 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 Uganda?
Most rental firms ask for both the home licence and an IDP, and impose minimum age and licence-held experience conditions even when an IDP is not strictly legally mandatory.
Which IDP convention does Uganda use?
Uganda 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 Uganda?
Because Uganda 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 Uganda from your country

Requirements for other countries