Does Enterprise require an IDP in Zimbabwe?
Enterprise in Zimbabwe: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation alongside your home licence in many countries across Europe, Asia and South America. The world's largest car-rental brand by fleet size.
Zimbabwe drives on the left and signs the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is advised if your licence is not in English.
In Zimbabwe specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Zimbabwe ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Enterprise will typically ask for it at the counter. Harare desks request an IDP for non-English licences.
Enterprise runs a global network; at its Zimbabwe desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Zimbabwe drives on the left, uses the USD, and sets a minimum driving age of 18, so an IDP is the document that removes any doubt at the counter.
What to bring to the Enterprise counter in Zimbabwe
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the USD deposit; Zimbabwe drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Zimbabwe Enterprise renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Frequent police roadblocks.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Carry reflective triangles and a fire extinguisher.
Enterprise's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Enterprise's minimum rental age is 21 in most of the U.S. (18 in Michigan and New York, and 18 for U.S. government employees on official orders); renters aged 21-24 pay a "Young Renter Fee" that typically averages around $25/day but varies by location (e.g., 21-24 is $15.75/day in Michigan and $30.75/day in New York, with 18-20 fees of $36.50 and $64.75/day respectively).
The contract holder must present their own credit card in their name with sufficient available credit; deposits typically run between $200 and $850 depending on location and vehicle class (airport holds are typically about 120% of the rental). Debit cards bearing a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover logo may be accepted at some locations, but at airports only with a ticketed return-travel itinerary, and prepaid cards are not accepted.
Each additional authorized driver is typically charged about $15.00 per day, but a renter's spouse or domestic partner who meets the same age and licence requirements is added at no charge. Enterprise requires each renter and additional driver to hold a valid, unexpired driver's licence; it does not publish a fixed minimum holding period in the U.S., though young-renter (under-25) restrictions and surcharges apply instead.
Taking a U.S.-rented vehicle across the Mexican or Canadian border requires advance approval; renters must contact the renting branch or call center for the correct procedure and any required insurance, and cross-border travel is restricted or prohibited at many locations. One-way rentals are offered but availability and drop-off fees vary by branch.
For renters under 25, Enterprise states it does not accept an International Driver's Permit as identification; a valid photo driver's licence is required. Foreign renters generally need their home-country licence (an IDP is recommended as a translation supplement but is not a stand-alone substitute for the licence).
Once you collect the keys in Zimbabwe
Numerous toll gates sit on inter-city highways, charging roughly USD 2-5 per car depending on the road, payable in cash (US dollars or local bond/ZiG notes); keep small USD notes for each gate.
In Harare and Bulawayo town-centre parking is paid via council attendants or parking apps; secure guarded paid parking is strongly recommended, as theft from cars in unattended areas is a concern.
Spot fines run from about USD 5 to USD 100 for offences like no seatbelt, defective equipment, no insurance or speeding, and are collected on the spot in USD - always demand an official receipt. The drink-drive limit is 80mg/100ml; rental firms pass on outstanding fines.
Call police on 995 (or 999); for minor damage with no injuries you need not call police, but for injuries do not move the vehicles, photograph the scene and obtain a police report. A report is important for the rental firm and insurance.
Full driving guide for Zimbabwe →