Does Europcar require an IDP in Zimbabwe?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Europcar in Zimbabwe: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for non-EU and non-Latin-alphabet licences across its European network. Europe's leading mobility brand.
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 Europcar will typically ask for it at the counter. Harare desks request an IDP for non-English licences.
Europcar runs a europe / 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 Europcar 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 Europcar renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Frequent police roadblocks.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Carry reflective triangles and a fire extinguisher.
Europcar's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Europcar's typical minimum rental age is 21 (some categories and countries allow rental from 18 on selected vehicles), and a Young Driver Surcharge applies to drivers aged roughly 22 to 25 - published at around EUR 30 per day in addition to the rental cost, with the exact amount varying by country per the local Specific Terms.
Europcar accepts only a credit card in the main driver's name (valid with an expiry date after the scheduled return) for the deposit; the deposit amount is blocked - not debited - on the card at pick-up, or within 48 hours before pick-up for Online Check-In, and debit cards are generally not accepted for the security deposit.
Only drivers registered on the rental contract may drive the car, and each additional driver must meet the same age and licence-held requirements; an additional-driver fee typically applies and is set per country. The driver must have held a full valid driving licence for at least one year (the from-18 categories also require one year's licence holding).
Cross-border travel must be declared and authorised, and in the UK taking a vehicle abroad requires the mandatory Europdrive product (24/7 overseas breakdown cover plus VE103B proof of ownership and a Green Card); for one-way rentals a one-way fee is charged and is included in the displayed price when pickup and return locations differ.
Europcar requires a full valid licence held at least one year; if the licence is not written in English (or the language of the country of rental) the driver must present an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside the original national licence - this typically applies to non-Roman/non-Latin-alphabet licences, while an IDP is usually not required to drive within the EU.
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 →