Home/Drive-in/South Africa/Philippines license

Philippines licence South Africa

Driving in South Africa with a Philippines license

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

Bring an IDP

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

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

At the rental deskRequested for non-English licences at Hertz, Europcar and local chains.

CarryCarry BOTH your Philippines 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 South Africa Full South Africa guide

Philippine drivers need an International Driving Permit to drive or rent a car in most countries 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 South Africa

Drive on the left.
Toll roads (e-tolls) on major routes.
Four-way stops are common.
0.05% alcohol limit, strictly enforced.

Common questions

Can I drive in South Africa with a Philippines license?

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

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

Do I need an International Driving Permit for South Africa?

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

Requested for non-English licences at Hertz, Europcar and local chains.

What IDP format does South Africa accept?

South Africa 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 South Africa?

An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing Philippines license. You apply online, and it is issued as a printable PDF booklet with a QR-verifiable ID card in the 1968 Vienna format South Africa uses — carried alongside your Philippines license.

Do I still carry my Philippines license?

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