Automobile Association partners with VFS Global to make it easier for travellers to access international driving permits
IOL | 29 Nov 2022
VFS Global has introduced the IDP application service at its visa centres in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban.
Durban - The Automobile Association (AA) said that they have partnered with VFS Global, and overseas travellers will now be able obtain their international driving permits (IDPs) through any one of four VFS Global application centres in South Africa.
VFS Global introduced the IDP application service in September at its visa centres in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban.
The AA said IDP applications will be managed by VFS Global on its behalf as it is the only authorised issuer of IDPs in South Africa. IDPs are regulated by the UN.
An IDP allows eligible applicants, with a South African driver’s licence, to drive vehicles in foreign countries. In addition, IDPs are another form of identification and are valid in more than 150 countries.
Sub-Saharan Africa head at VFS Global Hariprasad Viswanathan said that with the roll-out of IDPs at their application centres across four key cities in South Africa, they were confident of providing applicants with a world-class service experience by leveraging off their global experience of providing transparent and scalable solutions in the citizens 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.”
CEO of the AA, Willem Groenewald said that making this service available through VFS Global’s centres was 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.”
“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,” Groenewald explained.
Groenewald said that 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 IDPs. A dedicated contact centre (012 425 3058) 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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