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South Africa licence Russia

Driving in Russia with a South Africa license

Short answer: to drive in Russia with a South Africa license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your South Africa license.

Bring an IDP

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

Convention basisRussia uses the format of the 1968 Vienna Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

At the rental deskDesks ask for an IDP for any non-Cyrillic licence.

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: 1968 Vienna Convention

Get my IDP for Russia Full Russia guide

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 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Russia

Drive on the right.
Zero-tolerance alcohol limit (0.0%).
Headlights on at all times.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

Common questions

Can I drive in Russia with a South Africa license?

to drive in Russia with a South Africa license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your South Africa license. Russia uses the format of the 1968 Vienna Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

Is my South Africa driver's license valid in Russia?

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

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Russia?

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

Can I rent a car in Russia with a South Africa license?

Desks ask for an IDP for any non-Cyrillic licence.

What IDP format does Russia accept?

Russia uses the format of the 1968 Vienna Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

How do I get an International Driving Permit for Russia?

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 1968 Vienna format Russia uses — carried alongside your South Africa license.

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.