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National · Democratic Republic of the Congo

Does National require an IDP in Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Yes, bring one
Democratic Republic of the Congo legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so National will ask for it at the counter.
National in Democratic Republic of the Congo
National IDP policyRequired for foreign drivers
National footprintGlobal
Accepted format1949 Geneva
Minimum rental age18+ (surcharge under 25)
Drives on theRight

National in Democratic Republic of the Congo: the policy in plain terms

Requires an IDP for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local regulations require it. Business-traveller brand known for Emerald Aisle.

The DR Congo drives on the right; an IDP is expected with your home licence, though most visitors rely on arranged drivers given road conditions.

In Democratic Republic of the Congo specifically, democratic Republic of the Congo legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so National will ask for it at the counter. Kinshasa self-drive is rare; an IDP and passport are required where available.

National runs a global network; at its Democratic Republic of the Congo desks, foreign renters are asked for the 1949 Geneva-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Democratic Republic of the Congo drives on the right, uses the CDF, 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 National counter in Democratic Republic of the Congo

  • Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
  • Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva format.
  • Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
  • Local payment for the CDF deposit; Democratic Republic of the Congo drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.

Driving rules in Democratic Republic of the Congo National renters should know

  • Drive on the right.
  • Poor roads outside major cities.
  • Frequent checkpoints.
  • Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

Common questions

01
Do I need an IDP to rent from National in Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Democratic Republic of the Congo legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so National will ask for it at the counter.
02
What documents should I bring to the National desk in Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Bring your original national driving licence, your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva format, your passport, and the payment card in the main driver's name. Democratic Republic of the Congo drives on the right and the minimum rental age is typically 18+.
03
What is National's general policy on International Driving Permits?
Requires an IDP for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local regulations require it. Business-traveller brand known for Emerald Aisle.