International Driving Permit Namibia

What is the difference between an International Driving Permit (IDP) and an International Driver’s License (IDL)?

An International Driving Permit is a small grey booklet marginally larger than a passport containing a translation of your original driving license in 10 languages, including English, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish. It is recognized by 141 countries worldwide and is valid for one year.

In comparison, an International Driving License is not a legal document and cannot be used to drive in foreign countries or instead of an IDP.

How does an IDP work in Namibia?

Namibia is a contracting party to the International Convention for Road Traffic. Hence, the country is bound to accept valid IDPs issued by other countries. In addition, Namibia nationals are also eligible to apply for an International Driving Permit if they hold a valid driving license issued under the Namibian Road Traffic and Transport Laws.

The foreigners visiting Namibia must have a valid IDP issued by the relevant authority (like us) if they intend to drive vehicles in the country.

What Do You Need To Apply for an IDP in Namibia?

You may think that applying for an IDP must be hectic, but on the contrary, it is straightforward and hassle-free. Anyone with a valid driving license issued by the domestic authority of one’s country or state can apply for an international permit. A list of documents required for the issuance of IDP are:

• Copy of your valid Passport or National Identity Card
• Complete details of your national driving license
• A legible scanned image of your domestic driving license
• Recent passport-size photographs of yourself
• A fee for the issuance of an IDP with a validity period of one year

United Nations Agreements on Road Traffic

Namibia has been a contracting party to the International United Nations Convention on Road Traffic for decades. The authorized officials of the Namibian Government ratified the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, 1949, on October 13, 1993. Being a contracting party to the Geneva Convention, Namibia is bound to devise and enforce traffic rules and regulations according to international standards.

The rules and regulations prescribed under the Convention include implementing proper procedures for issuing driving licenses to its citizens, making it mandatory for every citizen to attend theoretical and practical driving courses and pass required tests for a valid driving license.

In addition to the above, the Namibian Government is also required to allow tourists to drive vehicles around the country if they hold a valid international permit issued by any other country.

Benefits of Carrying an IDP in Namibia

If I already have a valid driver’s license and an international permit is only the translated version of my domestic license, why do I need an IDP in the first place? This question pops into the mind of many. However, the answer to your questions lies in the following benefits of carrying an international driving permit in Namibia:-

Proof of Identity in a Foreign Country

An International Driver’s License not only allows you to drive vehicles in Namibia but also serves as proof of your identity during your trip. We all find it cumbersome to carry multiple documents while exploring a foreign country. However, if you have a valid IDP, no other identity document may be required by the traffic police to confirm your identity.

Evidence of Your Local Driving License

An IDP is issued to only those with a valid driving license issued by the relevant authority of their country/state. Hence, your IDP indicates that you hold a valid driving license and are legally allowed to drive vehicles within the boundaries of your country and a foreign country.

Legal Document

International laws have been framed for the safety of everyone irrespective of their nationality and to allow people to explore the world without difficulty. The issuance of IDP is just another yet critical step in the process of making international traveling more convenient and hassle-free. The international driving permit is a legal document backed by international treaties which allow foreign travelers to drive vehicles outside the territory of their country.

Eligible to Rent a Car

A valid International Driver’s Permit doesn’t only let you drive private vehicles in Namibia but also makes you eligible to hire vehicle(s) for rent. The car rental agencies do not rent motor vehicles to tourists unless they present a valid IDP and a copy of their passport.

Peace of Mind

Having a valid International Driver’s Permit gives you peace of mind that you are eligible to drive vehicles during your visit to Namibia as and when required. Even if you have a local driver with you, in case of any unfortunate event or emergency, you don’t need to depend on anyone else and can take matters into your own hands.

Car Rental in Namibia

Multiple car rental agencies are working in Namibia, which offers different types of vehicles as per the requirement of individuals. However, considering the condition of the roads, it is advisable and preferred to hire a 4×4 for your road trips in Namibia. The car rental agencies also provide traveling equipment such as water-resistant rooftop, cookware, propane tank, camp chairs table, lantern, etc., first aid kit, maps, car equipment, and many more for rent in addition to renting vehicles.

If you are wondering about insurance options, car rental agencies offer different kinds of insurance depending on your budget, vehicle, and the area you visit; however, in most cases, the insurance will not cover everything.

Foreign travelers cannot hire vehicles for rent unless they produce a valid IDP having a validity period of a minimum of six months along with the following documents:-

• Passport-size photograph of the individual taking the car on rent
• The contact number of the individual
• Complete particulars of valid driving license
• Copy of valid ID card, passport, or VISA

Namibia’s minimum age to hire vehicles is twenty-four (24) years. An additional surcharge is payable by persons below the age of twenty-four (24) even if car rental agencies agree to provide services to an underage person.

Driving and Safety

Just like any other country, traffic rules and regulations have been implemented in the land of Namibia, which is as per International standards.

Some things to keep in mind when driving are:

• Namibians drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you reside in a country where vehicles are conducted on the right-hand side, you may mistake your windshield wipers as your turn signals.
• Keep the car headlights on throughout the day
• You may find it strange; however, as per Namibian traffic laws, you must keep the vehicle’s headlights on throughout the day. In case of non-compliance, you may have to face heavy fines.
• All the passengers are required to wear seat belts at all times.
• Avoid driving at night because while traveling at night, you may come across animals crossing the road, which is highly dangerous for your safety and risks the well-being of animals.
• You must have your driver’s license, IDP, and insurance documents in the car at all times
• Most of the roads in Namibia are rough, unpaved, and bumpy, due to which it will take longer to reach your destinations
• The speed limit is 60 KPH in towns, 120 KPH on highways, and 100 KPH on gravel roads
• A limited number of Gas Stations:-
• Make sure to get your gas tank full at the start of your journey as the distance between two locations is quite long, and most of the time, no gas stations are available
• Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited

Top 5 Destinations to Visit in Namibia

Namibia is a beautiful country in South Africa, having a population of approximately 2.1 million citizens. The country’s official language is English, while the official currency of Namibia is the Namibian Dollar. The government is famous for its diverse wildlife and highest dunes in the world. Here is the list of five most wanted destinations in the country:-

Kalahari Desert

Kalahari desert is one of the largest deserts in Africa, which is a mesmerizing combination of warm colors. The desert is famous for its red desert dunes, African wildlife, Quiver Tree Forest, game drives, and Mesosaurus Fossil Site. The interesting fact about the Kalahari Desert is that it is spread over the neighboring countries of Botswana and Namibia.

The national parks and reserves of the Kalahari Desert serve as a home to antelope, giraffe, elephant, meerkat, cape fox, bat-eared foxes, several bird species, and many other kinds of predators. If you love to see wildlife in the wild, the Kalahari Desert is worth your visit.

Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa and is located south of Namibia. The hiking trail of the canyon is one of the most famous in Southern Africa for its immense scale and rugged terrain. The total area of the hiking trail is approximately 90 kilometers which can take up to two hours to complete.

Tourists can visit Fish River Canyon only after obtaining the required permit from Namibia Wildlife Resorts. The said permits are issued yearly from May 1 to September 15 due to floods and sweltering summers. Further, the canyon hikers must present a recent medical certificate and an indemnity form to start the hike.

Sossusvlei

The dunes of Sossusvlei are one of the highest dunes on earth. Sossusvlei is considered one of Namibia’s most beautiful and mesmerizing sites for delivering the most incredible photographic opportunities to visitors.

On your visit to Sossusvlei, you will visit the incredibly beautiful Deadvlei; you can climb Dune 45, i.e., 350 meters, or Big Daddy, i.e., 1150 feet high. In addition, you can enjoy the hot-air balloon safari and make lifetime memories.

Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Namibia. As per several safari aficionados, Etosha National Park is one of the greatest wildlife reserves in Africa, which is situated in the north of Namibia. The park’s roads are so good that it is considered a self-drivers paradise.

The park’s total area is 22,270 square kilometers, home to elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, giraffes, and cheetahs. The best time to visit the park is between May to October. The good news for visitors of the park is that adjacent private reserves also offer excellent accommodation.

Damaraland

Just like the rest of Namibia, Damaraland is also home to unique wildlife, including but not limited to desert-adapted elephants, giraffes, oryx, black rhinos, etc. However, Damaraland is considered one of Namibia’s most scenic areas, offering a unique and memorable experience to the people who want to watch wildlife closely in its true essence.

FAQs

Do I need an IDP in Namibia?

If you are a foreigner visiting the country of Namibia and intend to drive a vehicle on your own or hire a vehicle from car rental agencies, getting an IDP is a must.

What is the maximum validity period of an International Driving Permit in Namibia?

The validity period of IDP is one year. Further, if the local driving license expires before the IDP expires, the IDP also expires immediately.

Are road and traffic conditions in Namibia safe?

Namibia is one of the safest countries in Africa. However, most of the roads are rough, unpaved, and bumpy. Hence, 4×4 is considered the most appropriate vehicle for traveling.

What is the legal driving age in Namibia?

The legal driving age in Namibia is eighteen (18) years; however, the minimum age to rent a car is twenty-four (24) years. Car rental agencies charge an additional fee while renting a vehicle to underage drivers.

On which side of the road are vehicles driven in Namibia?

In Namibia, vehicles are driven on the left-hand side of the road.

Is it safe to drive at night in Namibia?

Driving at night is never advisable in Namibia and should be avoided because animals may cross the road at night.