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South Africa licence Pakistan

Driving in Pakistan with a South Africa license

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

Bring an IDP

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

Convention basisPakistan uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.
At the rental deskSelf-drive desks ask for an IDP; chauffeured hire is common.
CarryCarry BOTH your South Africa 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

South African 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 Pakistan

  • Drive on the left.
  • Heavy mixed traffic — drive defensively.
  • 0.0% practical alcohol tolerance.
  • Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

Common questions

01
Can I drive in Pakistan with a South Africa license?
to drive in Pakistan with a South Africa license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva format, carried together with your South Africa license. Pakistan uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.
02
Is my South Africa driver's license valid in Pakistan?
Yes — to drive in Pakistan on an South Africa licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your South Africa licence. Pakistan expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.
03
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Pakistan?
Yes — to drive in Pakistan on an South Africa licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your South Africa licence. Pakistan expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.
04
Can I rent a car in Pakistan with a South Africa license?
Self-drive desks ask for an IDP; chauffeured hire is common.
05
What IDP format does Pakistan accept?
Pakistan uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.
06
How do I get an International Driving Permit for Pakistan?
An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing South Africa license. You apply online, and it is issued as a printable PDF booklet with a QR-verifiable ID card in the 1949 Geneva format Pakistan uses — carried alongside your South Africa license.
07
Do I still carry my South Africa license?
Carry BOTH your South Africa national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.
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