International Driving Permit Countries

Do you know what an international driving permit (IDP) is and how it can help simplify your journey worldwide? Many people, especially those who travel internationally, underestimate the importance of having an IDP. This special document allows travelers to drive legally in many countries.

This blog post will explore which countries require an IDP and how to obtain one. You’ll easily navigate through these foreign territories by being informed about obtaining an international driving permit!

What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit (also known as an International Driving Licence) is a document that contains a translated version of your national driving license. It is an official translation of your driving license into ten languages.It is issued through a worldwide network of AIT/FIA organizations that are authorized by their governments to issue IDPs.

Most countries require visitors to have an IDP to drive in a foreign country. This document allows you to drive in foreign countries without needing to undertake further tests or applications, and to obtain an IDP; you must apply before traveling to the same country that issued your national driving license.

It is important to note that an IDP is an addition, not a replacement of your national driving licence, and you must always carry your IDP with your national driving license to drive abroad.

Why Carry an IDP

• Global Recognition: An IDP is regulated travel document and is recognized in over 174 countries worldwide, so having one will ensure you remain compliant with the local laws and regulations when driving. This avoids any potential fines or legal issues that can arise due to an invalid national driving license.

• Simplified Documentation: Having an IDP simplifies documentation regarding renting a car or applying for an international driving license in certain countries. It will also reduce stress levels, eliminating the need to obtain multiple translations of your national driving license.

• Peace of Mind: By having an IDP, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you can drive abroad without any problems. Not having one can affect your travel plans if caught driving without the necessary documentation.

• Security: Having an IDP allows you to travel more safely and securely by ensuring local police know your identity. It is also a valid form of identification in many countries, especially when renting a car or signing rental agreements.

• Convenience: An IDP makes it much easier to drive abroad without the stress of having to arrange additional tests or applications when you arrive. It also simplifies renting a car in another country as you are not required to present any additional forms of identification.

List Of Countries Accepting the IDP

The IDP is accepted in several countries, including the following:

• Albania (1 Oct 1969)

• Algeria (16 May 1963)

• Argentina (25 Nov 1960)

• Australia (7 Dec 1954)

• Austria (19 Sep 1949, 2 Nov 1955)

• Bangladesh (6 Dec 1978)

• Barbados (5 Mar 1971)

• Belgium (19 Sep 1949, 23 Apr 1954)

• Benin (5 Dec 1961)

• Botswana (3 Jan 1967)

• Brunei Darussalam (12 Mar 2020)

• Bulgaria (13 Feb 1963)

• Burkina Faso (31 Aug 2009)

• Cambodia (14 Mar 1956)

• Canada (23 Dec 1965)

• Central African Republic (4 Sep 1962)

• Chile (10 Aug 1960)

• Congo (15 May 1962)

• Côte d’Ivoire (8 Dec 1961)

• Croatia (7 Feb 2020)

• Cuba (1 Oct 1952)

• Cyprus (6 Jul 1962)

• Czech Republic (2 Jun 1993)

• Democratic Republic of the Congo (6 Mar 1961)

• Denmark (19 Sep 1949, 3 Feb 1956)

• Dominican Republic (19 Sep 1949, 15 Aug 1957)

• Ecuador (26 Sep 1962)

• Egypt (19 Sep 1949, 28 May 1957)

• Estonia (1 Apr 2021)

• Fiji (31 Oct 1972)

• Finland (24 Sep 1958)

• France (19 Sep 1949, 15 Sep 1950)

• Georgia (23 Jul 1993)

• Ghana (6 Jan 1959)

• Greece (1 Jul 1952)

• Guatemala (10 Jan 1962)

• Haiti (12 Feb 1958)

• Holy See (5 Oct 1953)

• Hungary (30 Jul 1962)

• Iceland (22 Jul 1983)

• India (19 Sep 1949, 9 Mar 1962)

• Ireland (31 May 1962)

• Israel (19 Sep 1949, 6 Jan 1955)

• Italy (19 Sep 1949, 15 Dec 1952)

• Jamaica (9 Aug 1963)

• Japan (7 Aug 1964)

• Jordan (14 Jan 1960)

• Kyrgyzstan (22 Mar 1994)

• Lao People’s Democratic Republic (6 Mar 1959)

• Lebanon (19 Sep 1949, 2 Aug 1963)

• Lesotho (27 Sep 1973)

• Liechtenstein (2 Mar 2020)

• Lithuania (4 Feb 2019)

• Luxembourg (19 Sep 1949, 17 Oct 1952)

• Madagascar (27 Jun 1962)

• Malawi (17 Feb 1965)

• Malaysia (10 Sep 1958)

• Mali (19 Nov 1962)

• Malta (3 Jan 1966)

• Monaco (3 Aug 1951)

• Montenegro (23 Oct 2006)

• Morocco (7 Nov 1956)

• Namibia (13 Oct 1993)

• Netherlands (Kingdom of the) (19 Sep 1949, 19 Sep 1952)

• New Zealand (12 Feb 1958)

• Niger (25 Aug 1961)

• Nigeria (3 Feb 2011)

• Norway (19 Sep 1949, 11 Apr 1957)

• Papua New Guinea (12 Feb 1981)

• Paraguay (18 Oct 1965)

• Peru (9 Jul 1957)

• Philippines (19 Sep 1949, 15 Sep 1952)

• Poland (29 Oct 1958)

• Portugal (28 Dec 1955)

• Republic of Korea (14 Jun 1971)

• Romania (26 Jan 1961)

• Russian Federation (17 Aug 1959)

• Rwanda (5 Aug 1964)

• San Marino (19 Mar 1962)

• Senegal (13 Jul 1962)

• Serbia (12 Mar 2001)

• Sierra Leone (13 Mar 1962)

• Singapore (29 Nov 1972)

• Slovakia (7 Feb 1993)

• Slovenia (1 Feb 1993)

• South Africa (13 Jul 2017)

• Spain (19 Sep 1949, 9 Jul 1952)

• Sri Lanka (13 Feb 1958)

• Sweden (19 Sep 1949, 25 Feb 1952)

• Switzerland (19 Sep 1949)

• Syrian Arab Republic (11 Dec 1953)

• Thailand (15 Aug 1962)

• Togo (27 Feb 1962)

• Trinidad and Tobago (8 Jul 1964)

• Tunisia (8 Nov 1957)

• Türkiye (17 Jan 1956)

• Uganda (15 Apr 1965)

• United Arab Emirates (10 Jan 2007)

• United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (19 Sep 1949, 8 Jul 1957)

• United States of America (19 Sep 1949, 30 Aug 1950)

• Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) (11 May 1962)

• Viet Nam (2 Nov 1953)

• Zimbabwe (1 Dec 1998)

Countries Where an IDP is Recommended but Not Required

An international driving permit is recommended but not required in many countries. This includes popular tourist destinations such as Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Costa Rica. While an IDP is not compulsory in these countries, it can offer invaluable benefits such as making rental agreements easier to complete or speeding up the local driver’s license registration process.

Having an IDP also provides a good level of security for travelers. It serves as an additional form of identification when renting vehicles from car rental companies and signing rental agreements in foreign countries. Furthermore, it is the only document that can be used to legally drive in many countries if your national driving license is not valid there.

An international driving permit can also be convenient while abroad as it simplifies getting a local driver’s license. Sometimes, an IDP may even grant you access to rental cars unavailable in certain other countries without proof of international driving credentials.

How to Obtain an International Driving Permit

Step 1: Check Eligibility

The first step to obtaining an international driving permit is to check your eligibility. You must meet certain requirements, such as being at least 18 years old and having a valid local license from your country of residence. It’s also important to note that some countries only allow their citizens to obtain an IDP in their own country.

Step 2: Gather Documents

If you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to gather your required documents. This usually includes your passport, driver’s license, two passport-sized photographs, and a completed application form or proof of payment for the permit. The exact documents may vary depending on which country you are applying in.

Step 3: Obtain the IDP

Once you have all the necessary documents, you can apply for an international driving permit. This can typically be done online or in person at a local motor vehicle office or nearest AAA branch office. The process and fees vary from country to country, so it’s best to check with your local motor vehicle authority for more information before applying.

Step 4: Make the Most of Your IDP

Once you’ve obtained your international driving permit, it’s important to make the most of it. Before embarking on a journey abroad, check to see if any additional documents are required in the country you’re visiting and follow road traffic rules. It’s also important to keep in mind that an IDP is only valid for one year, so you’ll need to renew it annually.

FAQs

Am I required to have an IDP in foreign countries?

The answer to this question varies depending on the country you’re visiting. Some countries require an IDP, while others may only recommend it like united nations. It’s best to research and check with your local motor vehicle authority for more information.

How long is an international driving permit valid?

An international driving permit is typically valid for one year. Once it expires, you’ll need to renew it to continue driving legally in foreign countries.

How much does an international driving permit cost?

The cost of International driving permits varies from country to country. It’s best to check with your local motor vehicle authority for more information on the fees and requirements of obtaining an IDP.

Conclusion

An international driving permit is an invaluable document to have when traveling abroad. It can simplify car rentals, speed up the local driver’s license registration process, and even grant you access to rental cars unavailable in certain countries without proof of international driving credentials. Knowing which countries require an IDP and the steps required to obtain one can help make your journey around the world easier and more convenient. With the right preparation, you’ll be able to navigate through foreign territories with ease!