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

Minimum age is region-specific: typically 21 in the US (18 in New York, where an under-25 fee still applies) and 18 in much of continental Europe such as Germany and France; drivers aged 21-24 pay a young-driver surcharge of roughly USD 25-30 per day in the US (about GBP 36 per rental in the UK, around EUR 5-6 per day in markets like Cyprus), and under-25s are usually limited to economy through full-size sedans, midsize SUVs and minivans.

A credit or debit card in the main driver's name must be presented at pickup; Sixt holds a security deposit of at least USD 200 plus the rental amount on the card, with substantially higher holds on premium/high-value vehicles, and debit-card acceptance and limits vary by branch and vehicle class.

A per-rental additional-driver fee applies; extra drivers can be added at any Sixt branch during the rental provided the main driver is present and the additional driver shows a valid licence (some European markets waive the fee for a spouse/partner). The driver must typically have held a full valid licence for at least 1 year (rising to 2-3 years in higher-risk markets such as Cyprus, while Germany requires the licence be held only since at least the day before pickup).

Most Sixt passenger vehicles may be driven across borders into listed neighbouring countries (e.g. France, Germany, Spain, Italy within Europe), but you must notify and get authorisation from the pickup branch in advance; a cross-border and/or one-way drop-off fee applies, and certain vehicle classes and destination countries are restricted.

Sixt does not require an International Driving Permit everywhere, but states that where local law requires it the IDP must be carried alongside the original home licence; if the licence is in a non-Roman alphabet (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic, etc.) the renter must present an IDP or an official translation, and an official translation is also required if the issuing country is not party to the international driving-permit treaty.

There are no nationwide electronic tolls or vignettes, though péage barriers exist on some upgraded routes such as sections around Kinshasa and the Matadi road, paid in cash (Congolese francs or USD). Carry small cash for these and for frequent checkpoints.

In Kinshasa some central zones have regulated/paid parking and informal attendants ('parking boys') who expect a tip to guard the car. Avoid leaving vehicles unattended on the street; use guarded hotel or compound parking where possible.

Traffic police frequently stop foreign drivers and may demand on-the-spot cash payments; insist on official fines and a receipt where possible. Phone use while driving and missing documents are common pretexts, so keep licence, IDP, passport copy and vehicle papers ready.

After a crash do NOT stop to aid injured parties or linger if a hostile crowd gathers - drive directly to the nearest police station or gendarmerie to report it. If safe, stay in the vehicle until police arrive; the general emergency line is 112, though response is slow.