CALL ME BACKOverseas travellers can now obtain their International Driving Permits (IDPs) through any one of four VFS Global Application Centres throughout South Africa. In a partnership deal with the Automobile Association (AA), VFS Global introduced the IDP application service in September at its visa centres in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban.
The IDP applications will be managed by VFS Global on behalf of the AA which is the only authorised issuer of IDPs in South Africa. IDPs are regulated by the United Nations (UN). An IDP is a translation of a national driving license which allows eligible applicants to drive vehicles in foreign countries. In addition, IDPs are another form of identification and are valid in more than 150 countries. An IDP contains a person’s name, their passport photograph, and driver information in several languages, which can be interpreted by local officials and authorities in the countries which are visited.
“With the rollout of IDPs at our Application Centres across four key cities in South Africa we are confident of providing applications with a world-class service experience by leveraging off our global experience of providing transparent and scalable solutions in the citizen’s service space. Since 2007, VFS Global has supported the economic growth and development of South Africa through our strong workforce that includes 257 nationals who support our operations daily by maintaining the highest levels of service and security,” says Mr Hariprasad Viswanathan, Head – Sub Saharan Africa, VFS Global.
Mr Willem Groenewald, CEO of the AA, says making this service available through VFS Global’s Centres is a huge benefit to travellers.
“Many people require an IDP when they’re abroad, but they aren’t always aware of how to obtain these or where. Introducing this service through VFS Global Centres will make that a lot easier and provide additional comfort to travellers knowing they’ve obtained all the necessary documents to drive in a foreign country. The added advantage of an IDP is that it is another form of identification for travellers, which is always handy. We’re delighted to partner with VFS Global on this initiative which will, ultimately, benefit travellers.”
Key features and services at the International Driver’s Permit Application Centres include:
- Conveniently located Centres which offer a premium and comfortable environment
- Courier services for safe delivery of your passports at an address of your choice
- Application tracking facility with the SMS service
The AA can only issue IDPs to holders of a valid South African-issued driving licence. An IDP can only be obtained from the country of origin of a driving licence. The AA cannot issue an IDP to citizens of Botswana, Lesotho or Swaziland who are in the possession of a valid driving licence issued in that country, but it can issue an IDP to citizens of Namibia who are in the possession of a valid Namibian driving licence.
Citizens in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, and Pretoria can visit the VFS Global Application Centres in these cities to apply for their IPDs. A dedicated contact centre (012 4253058) and email support (VFSIDP@vfshelpline.com) service are also available for customers to answer queries and track the status of an application.
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International Driving Permit Application Centre
Cape Town: 5th Floor 47 Strand Street, Cape Town
Durban: Unit 409, 4th Floor, 91-123 Cowey Road (Problem Mkhize), Essenwood
Johannesburg: 1st Floor Rivonia Village Office Block, cnr. Rivonia Boulevard and Mutual Road, Rivonia
Pretoria: Cherry Lane Office Park, 1st Floor, 114, Fehrsen Street, Brooklyn
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Email: VFSIDP@vfshelpline.com Helpline: 012 4253058
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*VFS Global will only be responsible for accepting applications for client missions. All applications submitted will continue to be assessed and processed by the respective client missions. Timelines for turnaround are as per the discretion of authorities.
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