NZ licence Madagascar

Driving in Madagascar with a NZ license

Short answer: to drive in Madagascar with a NZ license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva format, carried together with your NZ license.

Bring an IDP

Yes — to drive in Madagascar on an NZ licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your NZ licence. Madagascar expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Convention basisMadagascar uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

At the rental deskAntananarivo desks request an IDP; many rentals come with a driver.

CarryCarry BOTH your NZ national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.

Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25

Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)

FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits

Last verified June 2026Source: 1949 Geneva Convention

Get my IDP for Madagascar Full Madagascar guide

New Zealand drivers should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their licence when driving abroad. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the 1949 Geneva format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Madagascar

Drive on the right.
Poor roads between regions.
0.08% alcohol limit.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

Common questions

Can I drive in Madagascar with a NZ license?

to drive in Madagascar with a NZ license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva format, carried together with your NZ license. Madagascar uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

Is my NZ driver's license valid in Madagascar?

Yes — to drive in Madagascar on an NZ licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your NZ licence. Madagascar expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Madagascar?

Yes — to drive in Madagascar on an NZ licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your NZ licence. Madagascar expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Can I rent a car in Madagascar with a NZ license?

Antananarivo desks request an IDP; many rentals come with a driver.

What IDP format does Madagascar accept?

Madagascar uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

How do I get an International Driving Permit for Madagascar?

An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing NZ license. You apply online, and it is issued as a printable PDF booklet with a QR-verifiable ID card in the 1949 Geneva format Madagascar uses — carried alongside your NZ license.

Do I still carry my NZ license?

Carry BOTH your NZ national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.