Do you need international drivers license in Namibia?

Yes, if you are a foreigner visiting Namibia and plan to drive, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your valid driver's license from your home country. The IDP serves as a translation of your home country's driver's licence and must be carried with you while driving in Namibia.

It's important to note that driving in Namibia can be challenging due to long distances between destinations, poorly maintained roads in some areas, and the presence of wild animals on the roads. Additionally, Namibia has strict traffic laws, and it's recommended that you have a good understanding of local traffic laws and regulations before driving in the country.

International Driving License is regulated by United Nations and accepted in 150+ countries worldwide:
Bangladesh

Brazil

Croatia

Italy

Japan

New Zealand

Peru

Slovenia

and many more

You can easily start your IDP application process on our website and get yours in under 8 minutes.

Namibia is viewed as heaven by each individual who had the chance to visit this place. Namibia is really an incredible nation to visit and rest your eyes upon with an assorted scene that extends from magnificent deserts to its never-ending dunes. The nation is ideal to be explored by a vehicle for an amazing road trip. This guide provides the absolute best destinations you can take to make your stay in this astounding nation fun and an advantageous encounter.

Important Reminders Before Driving in Namibia

When driving to a foreign country, make sure to keep in mind the following details or questions to make your travel experience more manageable.

The Best and Worst Time to Go to Namibia

Namibia is a country that can be visited throughout the year. However, according to travel experts, the best months to travel into this country is during the dry season, from June to October. It is during these months that wildlife in Namibian safaris is out and about. Also, the climate from June to October is warm and pleasant. As for December to March, the climate is humid and rainy, and animals are observed to hide and move away from waterholes.

Windhoek

As the nation’s capital city, Windhoek is populated and is covered by amazing attraction sights that will certainly amaze tourists. Some of the city's popular tourist spots include the landmark church of Christuskirche, the wildlife trail of Daan Viljoen Game Reserve, and the regional and cultural site of the Independence Museum. When driving around this city, make sure to carry and remember your International Driver’s Permit for Namibia and the location of the sight that you want to visit to ensure a manageable and hassle-free trip.

Etosha

Etosha is mostly known for the slew of safaris that you can visit, which is highly popular among wildlife enthusiasts. The Okaukuejo Waterhole, Onguma Private Game Reserve, and Chudop Waterhole are just some of the famous spots that you can visit in the area. When driving around Etosha, make sure to carry and remember your International Driver’s Permit for Namibia and the location of the sight that you want to visit to ensure a manageable and hassle-free trip. A car hire is available in the country.

Swakopmund

Famous Skeleton Coast, many individuals drive into Swakopmund to have a view of Namibia’s giant dunes where you can perform different recreational activities. The Skeleton Coast contains a beautiful view of the ocean, where couples usually wait and watch the beautiful orange sunset. When driving around this area, make sure to carry and remember your International Driver’s Permit for Namibia and the location of the sight that you want to visit to ensure a manageable and hassle-free trip.

Fish River Canyon

As the second-largest canyon in the world, the Fish River Canyon is known for its spectacular views, and many tourists try to visit this beautiful place to take a dip in its natural hot springs. When water levels are high enough in the area, you can go hiking, swimming, and fishing. Since the area is very large, make sure to carry your International Driver’s Permit for Namibia, and give your number to the rangers that are constantly patrolling the area in case you get lost. Your IDP is important, especially if you're driving a car hire.

When you're a tourist visiting a foreign country like Namibia, it's crucial to be aware of the Namibia driving rules to avoid fines and penalties. By taking the time to understand these regulations, your driving experience in Namibia will be much smoother and hassle-free.

Speed Limit in Namibia

The crucial fact that you need to know about Namibia’s speed limits is that they are normally estimated in kilometers every hour, so ensure that you don't go above it and break as far as possible unintentionally. Speed limits vary around different territories in Namibia. A speed cap of 60 km/hr is evident in built-up areas such as towns and cities; 80 km/hr in open gravel roads; and a 120 km/hr restriction is implemented on freeways and tarred roads. The fine for breaking these speed limits is following the amount you have surpassed the speed limit.

Seat Belt Laws in Namibia

Seat belt laws in the country of Namibia are extremely strict. For one, you are expected to always wear your seatbelt when operating a car in the country. This will reduce the possibility of being introduced to potential injuries if you are subjected to a traffic accident. If a body condition prevents you from wearing a seatbelt, Namibian traffic enforcers expect these drivers to carry a medical consent that will prove their inability to wear one.

Right of Way in Namibia

In almost all African nations, the left-hand side of the road is considered the correct lane for driving. This detail is very important as it will give you an idea of what to expect about the country’s vehicles and roads. When driving across pedestrians, remember that the right of way is given to people who walk, and you are expected to slow down. When traffic lights are absent, you should drive slowly and be careful with the presence of pedestrians and people who are crossing them.

Also, roundabouts in the country are often well-lit, at least in urban areas. When driving into these traffic circles, remember that those vehicles that are entering them are always given priority, and you should not force your way in. When you are driving in cycle tracks or asphalts in this nation, walkers and cyclists are the ones that are given the option to proceed, and you should wait for the road to clear up before you continue driving.

Legal Driving Age in Namibia

The legal driving age in the country of Namibia is 18 years old. When you reach this age, you are qualified to take their driving examinations for you to get your own Namibian driving licence. However, car rental companies usually do not follow this age requirement. They want their clients to at least be 21 years of age before they will lend them one of their motor vehicles. Other organizations require being 25 years old for you to drive one of their vehicles, especially when you want to rent a luxury car.