Can I drive in the United Arab Emirates with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
Yes. Smartraveller says: “If you're on a tourist visa and want to drive, you must get an International Driving Permit before leaving Australia.” (Smartraveller advice for the United Arab Emirates, 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 the United Arab Emirates: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
If you're on a tourist visa and want to drive, you must get an International Driving Permit before leaving Australia.
Source: Smartraveller: United Arab Emirates, page updated 8 October 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 the United Arab Emirates
IDP needed in the United Arab Emirates: the official advice quoted above says you need an international driving permit to drive there with an Australian licence. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Hiring a car in the United Arab Emirates? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars.
Compare car hire in the United Arab Emirates
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Other licences in the United Arab Emirates
| Licence | In United Arab Emirates | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | No IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to the United Arab Emirates
- British passport: United Arab Emirates entry requirements
- Canadian passport: United Arab Emirates
- Australian passport: United Arab Emirates
- Italian citizens: Emirati Arabi Uniti
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for the United Arab Emirates with an Australian driver's licence?
Yes. Smartraveller says: “If you're on a tourist visa and want to drive, you must get an International Driving Permit before leaving Australia.” (Smartraveller advice for the United Arab Emirates, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in the United Arab Emirates with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “If you're on a tourist visa and want to drive, you must get an International Driving Permit before leaving Australia.”
Which international driving permit do I need for the United Arab Emirates?
The Smartraveller advice for the United Arab Emirates 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.
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