Planning a holiday, business trip or road trip outside Kenya? If you intend to drive or hire a car at your destination, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is one of the documents you may need before travelling.
Issued in Kenya by AA Kenya, an IDP translates key information on your Kenyan driving licesce into multiple languages. It helps foreign authorities and vehicle rental companies understand your driving credentials.
AA Kenya’s supplied destination list covers countries across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas and the Pacific. However, having an IDP does not automatically guarantee permission to drive or hire a vehicle in every country.
Here is the full country list, the documents you need to apply for an IDP in Kenya and what to check before driving abroad.
What is an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit is an internationally recognised document that translates information from your national driving licence into several languages.
For Kenyan motorists, it supplements a valid Kenyan driving licence when driving in countries that recognise the relevant permit.
An IDP does not replace your Kenyan driving licence. You must carry both documents when driving abroad, along with any additional documents required by the destination country or rental company.
Countries where you can use an AA Kenya IDP
The following countries appear on the destination list supplied for this guide. Confirm the applicable requirements before departure, particularly if you intend to hire a car or travel through more than one country.
Africa
- Algeria
- Angola
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Republic of Congo
- Rwanda
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Europe
- Albania
- Andorra
- Armenia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Kazakhstan
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Türkiye
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
Middle East
- Bahrain
- Iran
- Israel
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
- Yemen
Asia
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- India
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Mongolia
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Vietnam
North America, Central America and the Caribbean
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United States
South America
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Guyana
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Oceania and the Pacific
- Australia
- Fiji
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tonga
- Vanuatu
Requirements for getting an IDP in Kenya
Kenyans planning to drive abroad can apply for an International Driving Permit through AA Kenya. Prepare the following documents before starting your application:
- Valid Kenyan driving licence: Your Kenyan driving licence must be valid. Check that it covers the category of vehicle you intend to drive abroad.
- Valid passport: Have your passport ready for identification and travel documentation.
- Kenyan national identity card: You will need your Kenyan national ID.
- Passport-size photograph: Prepare a recent passport-size photograph for your application.
You should also pay the applicable application fee. Confirm the current fee, photograph specifications, document-copy requirements and processing arrangements with AA Kenya before submitting your application.
How to apply for an AA Kenya IDP
Once you have prepared the required documents, follow these steps.
Step 1: Prepare your documents. Ensure your Kenyan driving licence is valid and have your passport, national ID and passport-size photograph ready.
Step 2: Apply through AA Kenya. Visit the official AA Kenya IDP portal or any AA Kenya branch countrywide.
Step 3: Complete the application and payment. Provide the required information and follow the current application and payment instructions.
Step 4: Confirm collection or delivery. Follow AA Kenya’s instructions on how to receive your permit. Check the details and validity dates before travelling.
Apply early enough to resolve any documentation issues before your departure date.
Can you rent a car abroad with an AA Kenya IDP?
An IDP can help you meet the documentation requirements for renting a vehicle abroad.
Rental companies may impose additional conditions, including:
- A minimum driver age.
- A minimum period of driving experience.
- A valid Kenyan driving licence and passport.
- A credit card or security deposit.
- Specific insurance requirements.
- An IDP in a particular format or additional local documentation.