International Driving Permit for Botswana
Botswana drives on the left, and self-driving is a popular way to reach its safari heartland, from the Okavango Delta to the Kalahari and Chobe. Long, straight tarred highways link towns, but many wildlife areas require a 4x4 on sandy or flooded tracks. Animals on the road, including elephants and cattle, are a genuine hazard, especially at dusk and after dark.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Botswana?
Visitors can usually drive in Botswana on a valid English-language licence, but an IDP is useful and is recommended if your licence is not in English or lacks a photo.
Quick facts
- Driving side
- Left
- Minimum driving age
- 18 years
- Region
- Africa
- IDP
- Useful
Local languages: English, Setswana
Driving in Botswana: key facts
- Driving is on the left, and tarred highways are generally good, while game reserves demand a high-clearance 4x4 on sand and mud.
- Wildlife and free-roaming livestock frequently cross roads, so avoiding night driving is strongly advised.
- Seatbelts are required, and police checkpoints and veterinary cordon (foot-and-mouth) control points are common between regions.
How to get your IDP for Botswana
Getting your International Driving Permit for Botswana takes only a few minutes:
- 1Apply online
Complete a short application in about 2 minutes — no paperwork or appointments.
- 2Upload your documents
Add a photo of your national driving licence and a passport-style photo.
- 3Get your IDP instantly
Receive your digital International Driving Permit by email, ready to use in Botswana.
Frequently asked questions about driving in Botswana
Do I need an IDP to drive in Botswana?
An IDP is not strictly required if your licence is in English and carries a photo, but it is useful and recommended, particularly for licences in other languages.
Can I rent a car in Botswana with a foreign licence?
Yes, you can rent with a valid English-language licence, and a 4x4 with camping gear is a popular choice for self-drive safaris; an IDP is a helpful backup.
What side of the road does Botswana drive on?
Botswana drives on the left-hand side of the road.
What is the minimum age to drive in Botswana?
The minimum driving age in Botswana is 18, though rental companies typically require drivers to be at least 21 or 25, especially for 4x4 hire.
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International Driving Permit for Botswana
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