How to get an IDP to drive in Uganda
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What am I getting?
International Driving Permit (IDP), regulated by the United Nations, certifies that you are the holder of a valid driver's license in your country of origin.
Your IDP is a valid form of identification in more than 150 countries worldwide. It contains your name, photo, and driver information in the 12 most widely spoken languages in the world.
Required by car rental agencies worldwide
You must be 18 years or older to apply
No test is required
How to get your IDP
Fill in the forms
Have your driver’s license and delivery address handy
Verify your ID
Upload pictures of your driver's license
Get approved
Wait for confirmation and you’re ready to go!
Uganda, which was, according to Churchill, the ‘pearl of Africa, is located in East Africa. Traveling around this country would be one of the best experiences you’ll ever have because it has one of the world’s most majestic wildlife. So, nature lovers and people that are curious and want to know more about our incredible nature, you’ll surely fall in love with this country!
If you're wondering if you can drive around Uganda, the answer is yes! Although Uganda is a developing African country, driving as a tourist is very much possible there. However, you need to understand that an international driver's Permit is required in Uganda for that to happen. Feel free to email our website for the International Driver's License requirements in Uganda. We will provide you with the qualifications and details on how to apply for an International Driver's License in Uganda online.
So sit back, relax, and keep reading! Everything you need to know about driving and enjoying Uganda’s beautiful country will be provided in this article.
Top Destinations in Uganda
From its tropical climate that is perfect for adventure, to meeting and seeing different kinds of animals and let’s not forget the beautiful views this country has to offer. No wonder people would include this country in their go-to destinations!
Uganda National Cultural Centre in Kampala
Each country has its own historical stories, and what’s more impressive than hearing their history in books? Visiting the actual sites and actually experiencing it! We know Uganda as a country rich in different cultures. The Uganda National Cultural Centre in Kampala, its capital, will let you experience and understand how these people live altogether and make this country a fantastic place!
Enjoy live music, workshops, concerts, and much more that UNCC can provide. Not only that, but you can also enjoy informal events outside UNCC. Experience Kampala’s nightlife, enjoy outdoor jam sessions, comedy nights, or just simply have fun with your family and friends in Kampala’s bars and restaurants.
Driving Directions:
- Head north on Bombo Road
- Turn right once you’re onto Haji Musa Kasule Rd
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Yusuf Lule Road
- You’ll see another roundabout and take its 3rd exit onto Nile Avenue
- At the next roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Said Barre Ave
- Finally, Turn left onto De Winton Street, and you’ll reach the Uganda National Cultural Center.
Note that some countries require a visa before entering Uganda, so make sure to secure your visa and International Driving Permit (IDP) to avoid inconveniences during your trip. You can apply for your IDP in Uganda online through our website, which you can also visit for IDP verification. Ensure you have the necessary requirements to acquire your IDP in Uganda. Additionally, bring your national driving license along with your IDP.
Basuki Royal Tombs
Driving around Kampala would also be one of your trip’s highlights especially when with friends or family! Get to know the place and its history by museum jumping!
Visit the Kasubi Royal Tombs, a place where the royal kings of Buganda were buried and a place that will let you glimpse the Buganda kingdom. This place was recognized by UNESCO for representing the traditions of the African people and the beliefs and spirituality of the Buganda people. This place has preserved the traditions and cultures of the Buganda, and it’s the main reason why it has become a significant site in terms of their spirituality.
Another fantastic thing to consider in visiting the place is their main tomb. Its architectural style used natural materials to create magnificent crafts. This architectural style only showed how artistic people are in Buganda Kingdom during the 13th century while only using what nature has provided to them.
Driving Directions:
- From Entebbe International Airport, Head south on Kampala - Entebbe
- Expy/Kampala Road toward Tunnel Rd
- Once you reached Kampala, Take the ramp to Hoima Rd/Namirembe Rd
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Hoima Rd/Namirembe Rd, and after 1.3 km, turn right
- After 200 m, Turn left onto Namungoona Rd
- Turn left onto Masiro Rd after 750 m, and you’ll reach the Basuki Royal Tombs.
Though English is used as the primary language for instructions in Uganda, Swahili and Luganda are still the widely used languages, so make sure to have an International Driver’s Permit in Uganda. Check your International Driving Permit in Uganda on our website. You’ll see here the qualifications for an International Driving Permit in Uganda.
Also, requirements for getting your International Driving Permit in Uganda, including your national driving license, are available here. There’s no need for you to take an exam to acquire an international driver’s Permit in Uganda but secure your visa if required in your country. International driving permits are essential to drive a private motor vehicle or rental car in Uganda.
Your international driver's permit in Uganda will address your concerns to the authorities. As long as you have the qualifications, you can provide your driver's details like name, contact number, address, and zip code for your international driver's permit to be used in Uganda. You also need to provide your email address to receive your digital IDP. Applying for your international driver's permit in Uganda can be done online!
Bwindi Impenetrable Forests National Park
Nature adventurers will surely love Uganda for having Bwindi Impenetrable Forests National Park! This forest is one of the world’s largest ecosystems and houses thousands of different species of animals, insects, plants, and trees! Preserving most of the world’s endangered species and taking care of their natural habitat while letting them enjoy on their own and having a life not behind bars is indeed a proof that Uganda is a natural haven for most of the species here on earth.
Bwindi National Park is a home not just to the endangered species of gorilla but also to most high profile animals like African elephants, African green broadbill, Cream-banded swallowtail, chimpanzee, African giant swallowtail, Turner’s Eremomela, and so much more. Because of that, trekking to see these beautiful animals is one of the main activities there. Who would want to miss seeing these animals in their own natural habitats anyways?
Gorilla tracking and birding are one of the most famous activities in Bwindi Impenetrable Forests National Park. Before going, you must also consider the season of the place. It is safest and best to go on your journey while the country is experiencing its sunny season during the months of June to August and December to February. Do take note that gorilla tracking must be booked in advance.
Driving Directions:
You can take the plane then drive your way to the marvelous Bwindi Impenetrable Forests National Park.
- Head south, then turn left after 2.5 km
- Continue straight and turn right after 9.8 km
- Continue straight, then keep right after 2.85 km
- Keep left after 43 m, keep straight and turn right after 33.3 km
- You’ll reach your destination after 3.3 km
For stress-free travel, ensure you have an international driving permit in Uganda, which you can apply for online! You can obtain your international driver's license in Uganda through our website. Simply provide your details like contact number, address, and zip code to process your international driver's Permit for Uganda. After submitting your application, you can await your international driver's license update. You may also contact us via our contact number regarding your international driver's Permit for Uganda.
Once you have received your international driver’s license, you can now download it. Save International Driver’s Permit in Uganda as a pdf so you can use it anywhere you go! There’s no really need to worry about accessing your International Driver’s Permit through our website for it is already made easy for you!
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison National Park, located in north-western Uganda, is Uganda’s largest national park and measures up to 3,893 square kilometers. Aside from Bwindi Impenetrable Forests National Park, this is a must-go destination for Nature lovers, especially those who want to experience and see how different species live in this kind of habitat.
The River Nile would be the top attraction in this park, its water came from the longest river in the world which is the ‘Jinja’. From that water, lots of different animals come to drink and bathe, including hippos, crocodiles, as well as large numbers of different kinds of birds that you’ll surely enjoy. There are tours that will let you drive throughout the whole park for you to enjoy the sight of different species in their own natural habitats.
Driving Directions:
- From Kampala, Head north on Nkrumah Rd and Turn right onto Kisingiri St
- Turn left onto Erisa Rd/Kyebando Ring Rd and Sharp right onto Gayaza -Kampala Rd
- Turn left onto Kawempe-Tula Road, then turn right onto Ttula Rd
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and Continue onto Kawempe Ttula Rd
- Turn right onto Bombo Rd/Kampala - Gulu Hwy/Kampala-Masindi
- Turn left onto Kampala-Masindi, then Turn right onto Bobi - Masindi Rd
- Turn left after 5.8 km, and another left after 1.6 km
- Continue onto Sambiya River Bridge and take the take the Parra ferry Crossing
- Continue straight until you reach Paraa, the southern part of Murchinson National Park
The drive you’ll experience here will be extraordinary! So make sure never to forget to bring your international driver’s Permit to Uganda. You just have to visit and apply on our website for your International Driver’s Permit in Uganda verification. This will also be helpful for you to know the International Driver’s Permit qualifications. Here, you can also see the International Driver’s Permit requirements in acquiring an International Driver’s Permit in Uganda.
After providing your international driver’s license requirements, you can easily download your international driver’s Permit once the process is done. Your international driver’s Permit could also be available in pdf format. International driving permits can make your driving experience in foreign countries trouble-free, so secure one before your trip.
Most Important Rules of Driving in Uganda
Touring a new country can sometimes feel challenging, especially if it's your first attempt at driving there. But don't worry! Understanding the driving rules in Uganda can securely navigate you through your journey. Keep in mind that Uganda is still developing, so its road conditions might not compare to those found in more developed countries like Europe or America. Some of the roads may still need enhancement.
Self-driving in Uganda provides the liberty to explore your cherished locations at your own pace and time. As in all countries, it's essential to be aware of the road traffic rules to prevent any potential hassles. Adhering to the driving rules in Uganda, or any foreign country, can help you avoid any unforeseen delays in your trips.
Make sure never to forget to bring your IDP
International Driver’s Permit in Uganda is necessary for driving as a tourist and also because driving around Uganda without a license is strictly illegal. It is acceptable to use your own local driver’s license if it is written and understandable in English. But even though English is the language used for instructions in Uganda, Swahili is still the most commonly used language for the locals. Hence, it is still a wiser choice to apply for an International Driver’s Permit. Just provide your zip code, name, address, and number.
An International Driver’s Permit, which is made easy for you to apply via our website, is a translation of your own local driver’s license to numerous languages that will be very helpful for your journey in Uganda. Your driver’s details like name, number, address, and zip code will be in your International Driver’s Permit, your essential details translated from the local license. IDP will be handed in cases where the Uganda authorities would like to see your international driver’s Permit and current valid driver's license for tracking.
Never Drink and Drive
Driving under the influence of alcohol or any illegal drugs is entirely unlawful in Uganda. Disobeying this law can give you a penalty. So make sure to obey the law as much as possible.
Side of the Road and Age Limit
It is also important to consider that Uganda drives on the left side of the road. So, if you’re from a country that drives on the right side, always be mindful. To drive in Uganda, you need to have a minimum age of 18 years old.
Speed Limits and seatbelt wearing in Uganda
In Uganda, the speed limit on highways is 100 km/h, outside built-up areas, it is 80 km/h (50 mph), and in urban areas, 50 km/h. Keep in mind that you must also need to be wearing your seatbelt at all times, and a baby seat that is rear-facing must never be fitted into a seat protected by an active frontal airbag.
Make sure to have an international driver’s Permit in Uganda because it will address your concerns to the authorities while driving. There is no need to take an exam in Uganda to have an international driver’s Permit. Just provide the international driver’s Permit requirements, and we’ll give you an update via your contact details about your international driver’s Permit tracking. You may also contact our contact number for your international driver’s Permit in Uganda.
Ready to check if an IDP is required in your destination?
Use the form and find out in seconds whether you need an international permit. Documents vary, based on the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic.
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