Why You Need an International Driving Permit for South Africa

Planning a trip to South Africa? Well don’t leave before you have your International Driving Permit. We will show you why you need an international driving permit for South Africa. South Africa is one of the long sought after travel jewels of the African continent. With an abundance of incredible natural beauty and the infrastructure to make driving safe, you’ll definitely need an IDP when you visit South Africa. The international driving permit is a translation of your valid U.S. drivers license. This document will allow you to safely and legally drive overseas.

Hout Bay is one stretch of Chapman’s Peak Drive, often called one of the most scenic drives in the world. Located only 20 mins away from Capetown, the Hout Bay drive is encapsulated in mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. There are tons of great restaurants, shopping districts, antiques, and art galleries. The entire drive around Chapman’s Peak Drive is gorgeous and draws tourists from all across the world. The Cape Point Route is also famous for it’s ocean views and scenic roads. You’ll also head towards Cape Point Nature Reserve. This area is often called The Cape of Good Hope, and is considered the southwestern tip of Africa. Here you will find the famous nature reserves that South Africa is famous for, as well as have the opportunity to see where the Atlantic meets the Pacific Ocean. The cliffs are very high here, so caution is needed. The wildlife of South Africa is abundant at this nature reserve as well.

Sani Pass is a more adventurous road with steep gravel stretches that are often considered dangerous in bad weather, often covered with covered with snow and ice in winter. Legally only 4×4 vehicles are allowed on this road, so you may want to hire one of the many tour companies that operate in the area. If you decide to rent a 4×4 to do the drive yourself, make sure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP). You’ll want to take your time on this trip as you will look down the ravines and see vehicles that were not so careful.

Sani Pass, IDP, South Africa

International Driving Permit Instructional Checklist

The International Driving Permit (also called the IDP) is a translation of your current valid driver’s license and is used for driving overseas. The IDP is recognized by over 150 countries. Routine processing for the International Driving Permit may take a few weeks, but we offer an expedited international driving permit in 2-3 days or less. (Note: This permit is only for U.S. Drivers License Holders)

Review the quick checklist below and you can soon be driving overseas. Expedited international driving permit processing times through us are usually between 24-48 hours.

  1. Complete the International Drivers Permit application. Click Here for Application
  2. Submit one passport-type photo.
  3. Submit a photocopy of your driver’s license (front and back).
  4. Scan and send us the documents by email (recommended): idp@fastportpassport.comEmail: idp@fastportpassport.comOR mail. If sending by mail, please note that any mistakes in your application will delay your processing.Attention: IDP Department
    Fastport Passport
    1318 Coney Island Ave
    Brooklyn, NY 11230
    Phone: 877-910-7277

Fees

The fees are all paid when you place your order here:
Order International Driving Permit

Post inspired by this question on Quora.