Exact paperwork for self-drive, chauffeur and corporate hire — including IDP requirements and what to carry through police checkpoints.
Foreign nationals hiring a chauffeur-driven car in Ethiopia need a valid passport and current Ethiopian visa. Self-drive hire additionally requires an International Driving Permit issued in your home country alongside your home licence, and a credit card for the security deposit. Corporate clients also provide an organisation letter.
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The IDP is required for all foreign nationals who want to drive a vehicle themselves in Ethiopia. It is not issued in Ethiopia — obtain it in your home country before travel.
Carry your original home country licence alongside the IDP at all times — the IDP is not a standalone document. IDPs from unofficial third-party websites are not recognised; only IDPs issued under the 1949 or 1968 Vienna Conventions are valid.
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Ethiopia has numerous police and military checkpoints, particularly outside major cities. You may be asked to present:
Our drivers carry all required vehicle documents. The vehicle file in every hire car includes insurance, registration and our rental company licence.
No. For self-drive hire, an International Driving Permit is required alongside your home licence.
Yes — a valid Ethiopian visa is required for all foreign nationals hiring a vehicle. Visa-on-arrival is available to most nationalities at Bole International Airport.
An e-visa printout is acceptable for rental companies. At police checkpoints, the physical passport stamp or sticker is preferred.
National park entry requires your passport and your entry ticket purchased at the gate. Parks do not require a driving permit.
