Your Zanzibar Driving Permit — Handled For You

Zanzibar is best explored on your own terms — at your own pace, down roads that lead to hidden beaches, clove plantations, and fishing villages most tourists never see. But before you take the wheel, you need one thing: a local Zanzibar driving permit.

The good news? We take care of the entire process for you. All you need to do is send us two documents, and we handle everything else.

What Is a Zanzibar Driving Permit?

Unlike mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar operates its own transport authority. Visitors who wish to drive on the island — whether in a hire car, rental buggy, or their own vehicle — are required to obtain a Zanzibar driving permit in addition to their home country or international driving license.

The permit is an official authorization that confirms your home license is recognized for use within Zanzibar's road network. Without it, you are technically not permitted to drive on the island, regardless of how many years of experience you have or what country issued your license.

       "We arrange it so you arrive ready to drive — no queues, no confusion, no wasted holiday time."

How Our Permit Service Works

We've built a simple, fully remote process. You don't need to visit any office, wait in any queue, or navigate any bureaucratic paperwork. Here's exactly what happens:

1.Send us your documents

We need a clear photo or scan of your valid driving license and your passport. These are used to prepare and authenticate your permit application.

2.We process the application

Our team submits and arranges your permit through the relevant local authority on your behalf. You don't need to lift a finger.

3.You receive your permit

Once ready, we'll get your permit to you — so that when you land in Zanzibar, you're cleared to drive straight away.

What Documents Do We Need?

To arrange your permit, please send us clear, legible copies of the following:

• Your driving license — valid, issued by your home country or as an international driving permit
• Your passport — the photo/information page is sufficient; we do not need the full document

Photos taken on a smartphone are perfectly fine — just make sure the text is fully legible and not blurry or cut off. We'll let you know promptly if we need anything resubmitted.

Permit Cost & Validity

KEY DETAILS AT A GLANCE

The permit costs $10 per driver and is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. During that 3-month window, you can visit Zanzibar as many times as you like — the permit covers every trip within that period, not just a single visit.

You can arrange as many permits as you need — whether you're traveling alone, as a couple, or as a group where multiple people will be sharing the driving. Each driver simply needs their own permit.

Can I Get Multiple Permits?

Yes, absolutely. There is no limit on how many permits we can arrange. If you're traveling with family or friends and plan to share the driving, each person who will be behind the wheel needs their own permit. Simply send us each driver's documents and we'll handle them all together.

If you visit Zanzibar regularly, you can also arrange a new permit each time your current one expires — just get in touch before your next trip and we'll take care of it.

Why Use Our Service?

You could, in theory, try to arrange a driving permit yourself after you arrive. In practice, that means finding the right office during opening hours, understanding the local process, and spending part of your holiday sorting paperwork — not ideal when you'd rather be on the road to Nungwi or exploring Stone Town's backstreets.

We know this island and we know how it works. For $10 and two documents, your permit is sorted before you even pack your bags.

Ready to Get Your Permit?

For a safe and seamless experience of car rental in Zanzibar, we arrange the driving permit for our customers. Just send us your license and passport and we'll take care of everything. It takes minutes to set up.