Can I drive in Zimbabwe with a UK licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on how long you stay. GOV.UK says: “You can drive in Zimbabwe with a UK driving licence for up to 12 months.” (FCDO travel advice for Zimbabwe, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Type of international driving permit: 1968 (GOV.UK table).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
GOV.UK: international driving permit table
| Country or territory | Type of IDP | More information |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | 1968 | – |
Source: GOV.UK, Driving abroad: check if you need an international driving permit (IDP), page updated 29 January 2025, checked on 28 October 2026. GOV.UK says: “Check the table to find out if you need an IDP.”
FCDO travel advice for Zimbabwe: “Transport risks”
You can drive in Zimbabwe with a UK driving licence for up to 12 months. Make sure you have copies of your passport’s photo page and visa with you in the car at all times. Be ready to show ID if asked and keep the originals in a safe place where you can get them easily.
If you’re resident in Zimbabwe, you may want to get a Zimbabwean licence to minimise the chance of problems at roadblocks.
Source: FCDO travel advice: Zimbabwe travel advice, page updated 15 July 2026, checked on 28 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
GOV.UK says:
You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.
An IDP costs £5.50.
A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
You must always have your driving licence with you, as well as your IDP.
Source: GOV.UK, Get an international driving permit (IDP) and Check if you need an IDP, checked on 28 October 2026.
Hire a car in Zimbabwe
Hiring a car in Zimbabwe? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Other licences in Zimbabwe
| Licence | In Zimbabwe | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian licence | Recommended | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | IDP needed | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Zimbabwe
- British passport: Zimbabwe entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Zimbabwe
- Australian passport: Zimbabwe
- Italian citizens: Zimbabwe
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Zimbabwe with a UK photocard driving licence?
It depends on how long you stay. GOV.UK says: “You can drive in Zimbabwe with a UK driving licence for up to 12 months.” (FCDO travel advice for Zimbabwe, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in Zimbabwe with my UK licence?
GOV.UK says: “You can drive in Zimbabwe with a UK driving licence for up to 12 months.”
Which international driving permit do I need for Zimbabwe?
GOV.UK's international driving permit table lists the 1968 IDP for Zimbabwe.
Where do I get an international driving permit in the UK?
GOV.UK says: “You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.” “An IDP costs £5.50.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of GOV.UK, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for a UK licence · Driving abroad: all licences.