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Not All Licences Travel Well
Your driving licence is a document issued by a single country, primarily for use in that country. When you cross borders, the authority behind it changes. Some countries have agreements recognising foreign licences; others require a translation (IDP); a few countries require you to obtain a local licence after a certain period.
What Is an IDP?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official multilingual translation of your licence into the 8 languages of the 1949 or 1968 Vienna Convention. It is:
- Issued by your home country’s motoring authority (AA, AAA, ADAC, etc.)
- Valid only alongside your original national licence — it is not a standalone document
- Required in many countries outside Western Europe/North America
- Usually valid for 1–3 years
For the full IDP guide, see our International Driving Permit guide.
Countries Where Your Home Licence Is Generally Accepted (No IDP Needed)
Within the EU/EEA (for EU/EEA licence holders)
EU and EEA driving licences are mutually recognised across all member states. No IDP needed.
Some Countries & Regions Accept Major Western Licences Without IDP
| Country / Region | Who Is Exempt |
|---|---|
| UK | EU/EEA licences accepted for visits; UK Post-Brexit rules apply for longer stays |
| USA | Most foreign licences accepted for tourists; IDP recommended but rarely required |
| Canada | Most foreign licences accepted for tourists; provinces vary |
| Australia | Foreign licences from most countries accepted for up to 3 months (varies by state) |
| New Zealand | Most foreign licences accepted for up to 12 months |
| Singapore | Most western and Asian licences accepted for up to 12 months |
| Hong Kong (SAR) | Most foreign licences accepted for up to 12 months |
Rental company requirement: Even where the law technically allows a foreign licence, rental companies may additionally require an IDP. Always check the specific rental company’s rules.
Countries Where an IDP Is Required
| Country / Region | Notes |
|---|---|
| Japan | IDP mandatory; no exceptions for tourists |
| South Korea | IDP required |
| Thailand | IDP required; enforced at rental counters |
| Indonesia | IDP + sometimes local translation |
| India | IDP required; strictly enforced |
| Philippines | IDP required |
| Vietnam | IDP required; rules complex for long stays |
| Malaysia | IDP required (ASEAN licences may be exempt) |
| Mexico | IDP recommended; some rental companies require it |
| Much of Eastern Europe | IDP recommended even if not legally required |
| Africa | Most countries require IDP |
| Most of Middle East | IDP required; some countries have bilateral exemptions |
Countries Where Foreign Licences Are Not Accepted At All
| Country / Region | Situation |
|---|---|
| China | Foreign licences (and IDPs) are not valid. Foreigners generally cannot drive in China without converting their licence or being a legal resident. |
| Saudi Arabia | Generally requires a Saudi or GCC licence; tourists face restrictions. Check current rules via the embassy. |
| Some Pacific islands | May require a local licence even for short visits. |
Licence Language — The Script Issue
If your licence is in a non-Latin script (e.g., Chinese, Korean, Arabic, Hindi), an IDP is effectively mandatory for almost all countries outside your own region. An IDP provides a Latin-script translation that foreign authorities and rental companies can read.
Similarly, if your licence is in Latin script but an unusual language (e.g., Finnish, Icelandic), an IDP makes verification easier even in countries that technically accept your licence.
Long Stays and Residency — When You Must Convert
If you move abroad (vs. visit), most countries require you to convert your licence after a set period:
| Country / Region | Conversion Required After |
|---|---|
| EU countries | Typically within 12 months of becoming a resident |
| UK | Within 12 months for EU licence holders post-Brexit; varies by country of origin |
| Australia | 3–6 months depending on the state |
| USA | Within 30–90 days depending on the state |
| Japan | Required for residents; process is bureaucratic but straightforward |
Rental Company Requirements vs Legal Requirements
These can differ. A rental company may:
- Require an IDP even in countries where it’s not legally mandatory
- Require that the licence has been held for a minimum period (usually 1–2 years)
- Refuse to rent to drivers under 21 or over 70 regardless of local law
- Require licences to be in Latin script without an IDP
Always check the specific rental company’s requirements when booking. Arriving at a rental counter without an IDP in a country that requires one means no car, no refund.
The IDP Is Cheap Insurance
An IDP costs US$20–25 in most countries. It takes 15 minutes to apply for. It prevents being stranded, reduces police interaction complexity, and satisfies rental counters. There is no downside to getting one before any international trip where you plan to drive.