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Apply for an International Driver License for Swahili-speaking countries.

Apply for driving license translation from English to Swahili now, and forget about the problems with renting and driving a car in Swahili-speaking countries.

A driving license has an absolutely different design and form depending on the country, its national language, and the region or state where it was issued. When travelling abroad you may find out that your domestic driving license fails to meet standards and is considered invalid. This would be an unpleasant surprise for you but you can avoid it by using to our services.

List of countries

You may compare different driving licenses against each other for visual clarity:

Compare licenses in  English 
with licenses in
Driver's licenses in English
Driver's licenses in Swahili
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English-speaking countries
Curacao
American Samoa
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Bermuda
Botswana
British Virgin Islands
Brunei
Burundi

The research was last conducted in March 2025, and the information is subject to change over time. You may copy this information only if you provide a link back to this page.

  1. Participation in the 1949 and/or 1968 United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic

    • Burundi is not a party to either the 1949 Geneva Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. [1] [2]

  2. Recognition of the International Driving Permit (IDP)

    • Burundi recognizes International Driving Permits (IDPs), the validity term is 1 year, as per the 1926 Convention. [3]

  3. Duration of driving with a foreign license (+ IDP) if resident or non-resident

    For non-residents:

    • Tourists can drive for up to 12 months with a valid licence from their home country. An International Driving Permit is recommended. [4]

    For residents:

    • New residents can drive using foreign licences for 6 months. [4]

Source links:

  1. https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsV.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-B-1&chapter=11&Temp=mtdsg5&clang=_en
  2. https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsIII.aspx?src=IND&mtdsg_no=XI-B-19&chapter=11&Temp=mtdsg3&clang=_en
  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Driving_Permit
  4. https://edriv.ing/burundi-driving-licence/

Driving tips for Burundi:

  • Driving in Burundi is on the right side of the road.
  • The maximum permitted drink drive limit is 10 mg per 100 ml of blood.
  • Drive with caution since the local drivers are careless and thoughtless. This is hardly a surprise since driving licences in Burundi can be obtained without proper training.
  • Don’t visit Burundi from February to May during the rainy season.
  • Keep in mind if you have caused a car accident, you will be fined. Your driving licence will be seized for the period of police investigation.
  • The third-party insurance is a must.
  • Some roads in Burundi have no proper markings and traffic lights.
Cameroon
Canada
Caribbean Netherlands
Cayman Islands
China
Cook Islands
Cyprus
Dominica
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Falkland Islands
Fiji
French Southern and Antarctic Lands
Gambia
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greenland
Grenada
Guam
Guernsey
Guyana
Honduras
Hong Kong
India
Ireland
Israel
Jamaica
Jersey
Kenya
The research was last conducted in March 2025, and the information is subject to change over time. You may copy this information only if you provide a link back to this page.

  1. Participation in the 1949 and/or 1968 United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic

    • Kenya is not a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. [1]
    • Kenya is a contracting party to the Vienna, 8 November 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic, having acceded on 9 September 2009 (a). [2]

  2. Recognition of the International Driving Permit (IDP)

    Kenya recognizes International Driving Permits (IDPs) valid for 3 years under the 1968 Convention. [3]

  3. Duration of driving with a foreign license (+ IDP) if resident or non-resident

    • For non-residents:
      - Foreigners are permitted to drive on Kenyan roads for up to 90 days as long as their foreign-issued license remains valid. However, if your driver's license is not in English or Swahili, it is necessary to obtain an International Driving Permit to ensure compliance. [4]
    • For residents:
      - If you plan to stay in the country for longer than 90 days, it is advisable to obtain a Kenyan driver's license from the driving licensing authority. [4]

Source links:

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Driving tips for Kenya:

  • Driving in Kenya is on the left side of the road.
  • You are allowed to wear seat belts, though some of the locals violate this rule.
  • The maximum allowed alcohol level is 80 mg per 100 ml of blood.
  • The maximum allowed speed limit is 50 km/h in cities and 110 km/h on rural roads.
  • You are prohibited to leave your car with the operating engine.
  • Don’t forget that Kenya is a wildlife kingdom, thus, drive carefully.
  • Carry a fire extinguisher.
  • Keep in mind that you are obliged to give way to those who go up the hill.
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Kiribati
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Malawi
Malaysia
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Micronesia
Montserrat
Namibia
Nauru
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Niue
Northern Cyprus
Northern Mariana Islands
Pakistan
Palau
Palestine Autonomous
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Puerto Rico
Rwanda
The research was last conducted in February 2025, and the information is subject to change over time. You may copy this information only if you provide a link back to this page.

  1. Participation in the 1949 and/or 1968 United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic

    • Rwanda succeeded to the Geneva, 19 September 1949 Convention on Road Traffic on 5 August 1964 (d). [1]
    • Rwanda is not listed under the Vienna, 8 November 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic. [2]

  2. Recognition of the International Driving Permit (IDP)

    The validity term of the IDP recognized is 1 year, as per the 1949 Convention. [3]

  3. Duration of driving with a foreign license (+ IDP) if resident or non-resident

    • Non-residents:
      - International driving permits are accepted as long as they are valid for the period of your visit in Rwanda or trip in Rwanda. The international driving permit is accepted for use for only one year, and thereafter you must acquire a Rwandese driving permit. [5]
    • Residents:
      - If you are a Rwandan citizen or a foreign resident rather than a visitor, you can drive in Rwanda on a foreign driving licence for 12 months. Within these 12 months, however, you will need to apply for a Rwandan driving licence. [4]

Source links:

  1. https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsV.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-B-1&chapter=11
  2. https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsIII.aspx?src=IND&mtdsg_no=XI-B-19&chapter=11
  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Driving_Permit
  4. https://police.gov.rw/services/testing-and-licencing/exchanging-a-foreign-driver-licence/
  5. https://www.rwandainsouthafrica.gov.rw/info/practical-info

Travel SIM card

Driving tips for Rwanda:

  • Rwanda drives on the right.
  • The maximum allowed alcohol level is 80 mg per 100 ml of blood. If the police stop you and find you are drunk, you will be fined and put in prison for 24 hours.
  • The minimum age to drive in Rwanda is 18.
  • Seat belt is a must in Rwanda.
  • The maximum permitted speed limit is 40 km/h in urban areas and 60 km/h in rural areas.
  • Use a hands-free device.
  • If you are found guilty for a fatal accident, you may be sentenced to prison for 3-6 months.
Saint Martin
Samoa
San Marino
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Sint Maarten
Solomon Islands
Somaliland
South Africa
South Sudan
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent
Sudan
Tanzania
Tokelau Islands
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
US Virgin Islands
Uganda
The research was last conducted in March 2025, and the information is subject to change over time. You may copy this information only if you provide a link back to this page.

  1. Participation in the 1949 and/or 1968 United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic

    • Uganda acceded to the Geneva, 19 September 1949 Convention on Road Traffic on 15 April 1965 (a). [1]
    • Uganda acceded to the Vienna, 8 November 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic on 23 August 2022 (a). [2]

  2. Recognition of the International Driving Permit (IDP)

    Uganda recognizes International Driving Permits (IDPs) issued under both the 1-year (1949 Convention) and the 3-year (1968 Convention). [3]

    While not always mandatory, it is highly recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your foreign license. [5]

  3. Duration of driving with a foreign license (+ IDP) if resident or non-resident

    • Non-residents:
      - You can use your foreign driver's license to drive in Uganda for 3 months as long as it is valid and it has the classes allowed to drive a car. [5]
    • Residents:
      - The foreign applicant should have a valid visa or work permit with a validity of at least one day (except for tourist visas, which are not acceptable for conversions) to convert a foreign license. [4]

Source links:

  1. https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsV.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-B-1&chapter=11
  2. https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsII.aspx?src=IND&mtdsg_no=XI-B-19&chapter=11
  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Driving_Permit
  4. https://udls.co.ug/frequently-asked-questions/
  5. https://www.guidetouganda.com/blog/can-i-use-my-foreign-license-to-drive-rent-a-car-in-uganda/

Travel SIM card

Driving tips for Uganda:

  • The minimum driving age is 18.
  • Seat belt is a must.
  • The maximum allowed alcohol limit is 80 mg per 100 ml of blood.
  • The maximum permitted speed limit is 100 km/h on highways, 80 km/h outside residential areas and 50 km/h on urban residential roads.
  • You are prohibited to place a rear-facing baby seat into a seat that is shielded by a frontal airbag.
  • You should be at least 23 to rent a car in Uganda.
  • If you wear either glasses or lenses, you are not allowed to take them off while behind the wheel. Keep in mind that the police in Uganda may ask you to check your eyesight.
United Kingdom
United States of America
Vanuatu
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Swahili-speaking countries
Democratic Republic of the Congo

The research was last conducted in March 2025, and the information is subject to change over time. You may copy this information only if you provide a link back to this page.

1. Participation in the 1949 and/or 1968 United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic

  • The Democratic Republic of the Congo succeeded the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic on 6 March 1961 (d). [1]
  • The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a contracting party to the 1968 Vienna Convention, having acceded on 25 July 1977(a). [2]

2. Recognition of the International Driving Permit (IDP)

  • The Democratic Republic of the Congo recognizes International Driving Permits (IDPs), the validity term is 3 years, as per the 1968 Convention. [3]

3. Duration of driving with a foreign license (+ IDP) if resident or non-resident

  • Non-residents: Foreign visitors can drive in The Democratic Republic of the Congo with their national driver's license and an IDP, specific timeframe is not explicitly stated.
  • Residents: Foreign residents are required to obtain a local driver's license after establishing residency. The specific timeframe for conversion is not explicitly stated but should be initiated promptly after residency is established.

Source links:

  1. https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsV.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsq_no=XI-B-1&chapter=11&Temp=mtdsq5&clang=en
  2. https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsIII.aspx?src=IND&mtdsq_no=XI-B-19&chapter=11&Temp=mtdsq3&clang=en
  3. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/02/driving-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo.html
  4. https://www.expatica.com/cd/moving/driving-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-104888/

Travel SIM card:

Driving tips for the Democratic Republic of the Congo:

  • The Democratic Republic of the Congo drives on the right side of the road.
  • The maximum permitted speed limit on urban roads is 60 km/h. The maximum permitted speed limit on rural roads is 90 km/h. On highways, you are allowed to drive at a speed of 120 km/h.
  • The maximum allowed drink drive limit is 10 mg per 100 ml of blood.
  • There are a lot of checkpoints in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where you may be asked to blow into a breathalyzer. Thus, drive sober!
  • Self-drive in the DRC is not possible. Thus, rental agencies provide cars with a driver only.
  • Make sure the windows and doors of your car are tightly closed while driving. Otherwise, you risk being robbed.
  • There are almost no road markings in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • Avoid night driving due to lack of proper lighting and other dangers.
  • Road traffic fatality rate is very high. Thus, think twice before going to the DRC.

We provide you with driver license translation (DLT) services from English to 70 languages including Swahili:

  • Afrikaans
  • Albanian
  • Amharic
  • Arabic
  • Armenian
  • Azerbaijani
  • Belarusian
  • Bengali
  • Bosnian
  • Bulgarian
  • Burmese
  • Catalan
  • Chinese
  • Croatian
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Estonian
  • Filipino
  • Finnish
  • French
  • Georgian
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hebrew
  • Hindi
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Indonesian
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Javanese
  • Kazakh
  • Khmer
  • Korean
  • Kyrgyz
  • Lao
  • Latvian
  • Lithuanian
  • Macedonian
  • Malay
  • Maltese
  • Mongolian
  • Nepali
  • Norwegian
  • Pashto
  • Persian
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Punjabi
  • Romanian
  • Russian
  • Serbian
  • Sinhala
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swahili
  • Swedish
  • Tajik
  • Tamil
  • Thai
  • Turkish
  • Turkmen
  • Ukrainian
  • Urdu
  • Uzbek
  • Vietnamese

With the DLT you will overcome any language barriers and will be able to easily drive worldwide. It doesn’t matter what foreign country you are going to visit, as you can rent a car all around the world with the International Driver Document (IDD). If you are stopped while driving, show both your International Driving License (IDL) and your domestic driving license. You will also have a translation book and can show it if needed.

You need to fill out a simple application form and apply online if you want to get the International Driving Permit (IDP). We need only to obtain some personal information: your domestic driving license ID, your personal info, your address and a photo of you.

We have a nice price, so traveling in comfort without problems with renting or taking a car will not cost you a fortune.

Get English to Swahili driving license translation now!

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