Can I drive in Greece with a Canadian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
No. The Government of Canada says: “As a tourist or temporary resident, you can drive with a valid Canadian driver’s licence.” (Government of Canada travel advice for Greece, travel.gc.ca, checked on 28 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
Government of Canada travel advice for Greece: “Laws and culture” › “Driving”
As a tourist or temporary resident, you can drive with a valid Canadian driver’s licence.
Source: travel.gc.ca: Greece, page updated 9 October 2026, checked on 28 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
The Government of Canada says:
Contact the Canadian Automobile Association for a Canadian International Driving Permit application form.
The IDP is valid for only 1 year from the date of issue.
Your IDP will only allow you to operate a vehicle in the same class as your Canadian driver’s licence.
Source: travel.gc.ca, International Driving Permit, page modified 28 May 2026, checked on 28 October 2026.
Hire a car in Greece
Hiring a car in Greece? 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.
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Hiring a car in Greece? How to pay tolls in Greece with a rental car
Using public transport instead? The fine without a valid ticket, validation and contactless payment: Athens
Renting a scooter or a moped instead? Greece: what a car licence covers (moped, 125 cc)
Other licences in Greece
| Licence | In Greece | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | No IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | It depends | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Greece
- British passport: Greece entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Greece
- Australian passport: Greece
- Italian citizens: Grecia
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Greece with a Canadian driver's licence?
No. The Government of Canada says: “As a tourist or temporary resident, you can drive with a valid Canadian driver’s licence.” (Government of Canada travel advice for Greece, travel.gc.ca, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in Greece with my Canadian licence?
The Government of Canada says: “As a tourist or temporary resident, you can drive with a valid Canadian driver’s licence.”
Where do I get an international driving permit in Canada?
The Government of Canada says: “Contact the Canadian Automobile Association for a Canadian International Driving Permit application form.” “The IDP is valid for only 1 year from the date of issue.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of the Government of Canada, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for a Canadian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.