Does National require an IDP in Namibia?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Namibia: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local rules call for one. Business-traveller brand known for Emerald Aisle.
Namibia drives on the left across vast gravel roads; visitors can use an English licence, with an IDP advised for non-English licences.
In Namibia specifically, namibia lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but National still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. An IDP is recommended for non-English licences; gravel-road insurance advised.
National runs a global network; at its Namibia desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Namibia drives on the left, uses the NAD, and sets a minimum driving age of 18; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the National counter in Namibia
- 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 NAD deposit; Namibia drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Namibia National renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Gravel roads — reduce speed and watch tyres.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Long distances between fuel stops.
National's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
The minimum age to rent is typically 21 (18 in Michigan and New York, as required by state law); renters aged 21-24 pay a "Youthful Surcharge" of approximately $25 per day (varies by location, lower in some states such as $5/day in New York) and may be restricted to certain car classes.
A major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) in the primary renter's name with sufficient available credit is required; National generally does not accept debit cards, and renters without a ticketed return travel itinerary must provide a hold/deposit typically between $300 and $400 depending on location and vehicle class.
The renter's spouse or domestic partner who meets the same age and licence requirements drives free; other additional authorized drivers cost about $15 per day (typically $5/day in New York), and must be at least 21 with a valid licence. National requires a valid, unexpired full driver's licence held by the renter; for under-25 drivers some locations require the licence to have been held for at least one year, though National does not publish a uniform minimum tenure across all locations.
Vehicles rented in the U.S. or Canada are prohibited from being driven into Mexico; U.S.-Canada cross-border travel is generally permitted but one-way US/Canada drop-offs are limited to participating locations, and rentals originating in certain Mexican cities (e.g. Tijuana, Mexicali, Hermosillo, Monterrey, Saltillo) may cross into the U.S. after purchasing an extension of liability protection (about $10 USD/day).
National states that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is commonly requested in select countries and is generally recommended when travelling abroad; specifically, overseas travelers whose licence uses a non-Roman alphabet may need to present an IDP alongside their home-country licence.
Once you collect the keys in Namibia
Namibia has effectively no toll roads - the national network, including the tarred B-roads, is free to use, so no vignette or e-tag is needed.
In Windhoek and towns, kerb markings signal the rules: red-and-white means no parking, yellow-and-white indicates restricted/short-term parking; central bays are often metered or attended by marshals. Heed signs (English) to avoid being clamped or towed.
Speeding (cameras and roadblocks), seatbelt and phone offences carry fixed fines; on gravel the limit is 100 km/h but 60-80 km/h is far safer. Rental firms charge the hirer for any fines plus tyre/underbody gravel damage, which basic insurance often excludes.
By law an accident must be reported at a police station or to a traffic officer within 24 hours; call the police on 10111. Do not move vehicles if there are injuries until police attend, photograph the scene, and notify your rental company.
Full driving guide for Namibia →