Does Hertz require an IDP in Republic of the Congo?
Hertz in Republic of the Congo: the policy in plain terms
Asks foreign drivers for a licence translation when the licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet, and often for non-EU renters in much of Europe. One of the largest global rental networks, operating in 150+ countries.
The Republic of the Congo drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence, and intercity roads can be rough.
In Republic of the Congo specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Republic of the Congo ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Hertz will typically ask for it at the counter. Brazzaville desks request an IDP for non-French licences.
Hertz runs a global network; at its Republic of the Congo desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Republic of the Congo drives on the right, uses the XAF, 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 Hertz counter in Republic of the Congo
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the XAF deposit; Republic of the Congo drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Republic of the Congo Hertz renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Frequent police checkpoints.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Carry passport, IDP and home licence.
Hertz's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Hertz's standard minimum rental age in the US and Canada is 20, though it drops to 18 in Michigan, New York and Quebec, and 19 in Alabama and Nebraska. Renters aged 20-24 pay a Young Renter fee of about USD 19 per day, and under-25s are blocked from premium, luxury and high-performance car classes.
Hertz places a hold on the renter's card for the estimated rental charges plus a security deposit that varies by location and vehicle class; debit cards are accepted at many US locations but must be Visa, MasterCard or Discover branded, in the main driver's name, and carry sufficient available funds, with extra ID/credit checks sometimes required.
Hertz charges a per-day additional-driver fee that varies by location (commonly around USD 13.50/day in the US, capped per rental); in many markets a spouse/domestic partner can be added free, and the fee is often waived for Gold Plus Rewards members. Hertz requires each driver to hold a valid full driver's licence that has typically been held for at least one year, with longer tenure (often one to two years) required for some markets and premium vehicle classes.
Driving a Hertz vehicle across a country border (e.g. US to Canada or Mexico) requires advance permission and may incur a cross-border fee, and travel into Mexico generally requires separate Mexican insurance; one-way rentals are permitted on many routes but typically carry a drop-off/one-way charge.
Hertz states that a valid driver's licence issued by the renter's home country must always be presented; an International Driving Permit is recommended (and effectively required) when the home-country licence is not in the Roman alphabet or not in English, but Hertz will not rent on an IDP alone.
Once you collect the keys in Republic of the Congo
There are no widespread electronic tolls or vignettes; the upgraded Brazzaville-Pointe-Noire (RN1) corridor has some péage barriers paid in cash (CFA francs). Most travel cost is fuel rather than tolls.
Parking in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire is mostly informal on-street with attendants who expect a small tip; there are no app-based or colour-zone systems. Use guarded hotel or business parking and avoid leaving the car unattended.
Police checkpoints are frequent and may seek on-the-spot cash payments from foreign drivers; ask for an official receipt and keep documents accessible. Common cited offences are missing papers, seatbelt and speeding violations.
Remain at the scene if safe, do not move vehicles when there are injuries, and summon police to file a report for insurance; exchange details with the other driver. If a crowd turns hostile, leave and report at the nearest police/gendarmerie post.
Full driving guide for Republic of the Congo →