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National · Malawi

Does National require an IDP in Malawi?

Yes, bring one
Malawi legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so National will ask for it at the counter.
Get my permit for Malawi All National requirements
National in Malawi
National IDP policyRequired for foreign drivers
National footprintGlobal
Accepted format1949 Geneva
Minimum rental age18+ (surcharge under 25)
Drives on theLeft

National in Malawi: 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.

Malawi drives on the left; an IDP is advised if your licence is not in English, and rural roads call for daytime travel.

In Malawi specifically, malawi legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so National will ask for it at the counter. Lilongwe desks request an IDP for non-English licences.

National runs a global network; at its Malawi desks, foreign renters are asked for the 1949 Geneva-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Malawi drives on the left, uses the MWK, 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 Malawi

  • 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 MWK deposit; Malawi drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.

Driving rules in Malawi National renters should know

  • Drive on the left.
  • Avoid night driving on rural roads.
  • 0.08% alcohol limit.
  • Watch for pedestrians and cyclists.

Common questions

01
Do I need an IDP to rent from National in Malawi?
Malawi 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 Malawi?
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. Malawi drives on the left 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.
All National countriesDriving in Malawi