NZ licence Namibia

Driving in Namibia with a NZ license

Short answer: you can drive in Namibia with a NZ license; an International Driving Permit is recommended and is carried alongside your NZ license.

IDP recommended

An International Driving Permit is recommended (not strictly required) for NZ licence holders driving in Namibia. Your NZ licence is in the Roman alphabet, but an IDP removes any doubt at rental desks and roadside checks. Carry both.

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

At the rental deskAn IDP is recommended for non-English licences; gravel-road insurance advised.

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 2026Convention: 1949 Geneva

Get my IDP for Namibia Full Namibia 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 Namibia

Drive on the left.
Gravel roads — reduce speed and watch tyres.
0.05% alcohol limit.
Long distances between fuel stops.

Common questions

Can I drive in Namibia with a NZ license?

you can drive in Namibia with a NZ license; an International Driving Permit is recommended and is carried alongside your NZ license. Namibia 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 Namibia?

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Namibia?

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

An IDP is recommended for non-English licences; gravel-road insurance advised.

What IDP format does Namibia accept?

Namibia 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 Namibia?

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 Namibia 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.