Can I drive in Switzerland with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on whether you hire a car. Smartraveller says: “Drivers must: be at least 18 years old; hold a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted)” “Some car hire agencies may need you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP).” (Smartraveller advice for Switzerland, checked on 17 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for Switzerland: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
Drivers must:
- be at least 18 years old
- hold a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted)
Some car hire agencies may need you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP). Get your IDP before you leave Australia.
Source: Smartraveller: Switzerland, page updated 7 September 2026, “still current at” 18 October 2026 (Australian time), checked on 17 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026.
Hire a car in Switzerland
Hiring a car in Switzerland? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Compare car hire in Switzerland
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Hiring a car in Switzerland? How to pay vignette and tolls in Switzerland with a rental car
Driving in Switzerland this winter? Winter tyres and snow chains in Switzerland with a rental car
Using public transport instead? The fine without a valid ticket, validation and contactless payment: Geneva · Zurich
Other licences in Switzerland
| Licence | In Switzerland | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | No IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Switzerland
- British passport: Switzerland entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Switzerland
- Australian passport: Switzerland
- Italian citizens: Svizzera
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Switzerland with an Australian driver's licence?
It depends on whether you hire a car. Smartraveller says: “Drivers must: be at least 18 years old; hold a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted)” “Some car hire agencies may need you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP).” (Smartraveller advice for Switzerland, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in Switzerland with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “Drivers must: be at least 18 years old; hold a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted)” “Some car hire agencies may need you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP).”
Which international driving permit do I need for Switzerland?
The Smartraveller advice for Switzerland does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 17 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for an Australian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.