If you’re planning to drive abroad with your South African driver’s license, it’s important to know which countries accept it and for how long.
While many countries do recognize South African licenses, the duration of acceptance and any additional requirements can vary. Here’s a breakdown:
Countries that accept South African driver’s licenses
Up to 12 Months
These countries allow you to drive with your South African license for up to a year:
Croatia
France
Monaco
New Zealand
Singapore
Up to 6 Months
These countries permit driving with your South African license for up to six months:
Andorra
Bulgaria
Canada
Estonia
Germany
Greece
Lesotho
Montenegro
Poland
Portugal
Russia (only if accompanied by an International Driving Permit)
United Kingdom
Up to 3 Months
These countries allow driving with your South African license for up to three months:
Australia
Botswana
Luxembourg
Mozambique
Namibia
Panama
San Marino (only if accompanied by an International Driving Permit)
Seychelles
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Short-Term Use
Angola: Up to 1 month; after which an International Driving Permit is required.
Mauritius: Up to 1 month; after which an International Driving Permit is required.
Unrestricted Use
Eswatini
Hungary (with a notarized copy of the license)
Sweden (until the license expires)
United States (some states may require an International Driving Permit)
Additional Tips
International Driving Permit (IDP): While not always mandatory, obtaining an IDP is advisable. It translates your license into multiple languages and can be helpful in countries where English isn’t widely spoken.
Driver’s License Certificate: If you’re emigrating, some countries may require a driver’s license certificate to convert your South African license into a local one.
Check Local Regulations: Always verify the specific driving regulations of the country you’re visiting, as requirements can change.
