Can I drive in Hong Kong with a Canadian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
Recommended. The Government of Canada says: “As a tourist, you can use your valid Canadian driver's licence for up to 12 months.” “You should carry an international driving permit.” (Government of Canada travel advice for Hong Kong, 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 Hong Kong: “Laws and culture” › “Driving”
As a tourist, you can use your valid Canadian driver's licence for up to 12 months. You should carry an international driving permit.
If you are a resident of Hong Kong, you can exchange your Canadian licence for a local one under certain conditions.
- Driving in Hong Kong – Transport Department of Hong Kong
- More about the International Driving Permit
Source: travel.gc.ca: Hong Kong, page updated 14 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 Hong Kong
Hiring a car in Hong Kong? 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.
Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Other licences in Hong Kong
| Licence | In Hong Kong | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | It depends | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Hong Kong
- British passport: Hong Kong entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Hong Kong
- Australian passport: Hong Kong
- Italian citizens: Hong Kong
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Hong Kong with a Canadian driver's licence?
Recommended. The Government of Canada says: “As a tourist, you can use your valid Canadian driver's licence for up to 12 months.” “You should carry an international driving permit.” (Government of Canada travel advice for Hong Kong, travel.gc.ca, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in Hong Kong with my Canadian licence?
The Government of Canada says: “As a tourist, you can use your valid Canadian driver's licence for up to 12 months.” “You should carry an international driving permit.”
Which international driving permit do I need for Hong Kong?
The Government of Canada advice for Hong Kong does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
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.