Can I drive in Vietnam with a Canadian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
An IDP alone is not enough: you need a local licence or permit. The Government of Canada says: “Vietnam does not recognize Canadian drivers licences or International Driving Permits issued in Canada.” (Government of Canada travel advice for Vietnam, 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 Vietnam: “Laws and culture” › “Driving”
Vietnam does not recognize Canadian drivers licences or International Driving Permits issued in Canada. If you plan to drive, consult Vietnamese authorities to determine the licence and permit requirements that apply to your situation.
Contact the Department of Transport in your Vietnamese province of residence for information on licences or restrictions. Only Canadian drivers licence holders, who are residents for at least 3 months in Vietnam, can apply for a Vietnamese driving licence.
You must hold a valid Vietnamese driver's licence to drive a vehicle with an engine of 50CC or more. This includes most motorcycles. Motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear a helmet.
The country has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving or cycling. Penalties for drinking and driving or cycling include:
- licence suspension
- heavy fines
Source: travel.gc.ca: Vietnam, page updated 28 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 Vietnam
Local permit needed in Vietnam: the official advice quoted above says an IDP alone is not enough with a Canadian licence, and that you need a local licence or permit. 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 Vietnam? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars.
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Other licences in Vietnam
| Licence | In Vietnam | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | Local permit needed | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Vietnam
- British passport: Vietnam entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Vietnam
- Australian passport: Vietnam
- Italian citizens: Vietnam
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Vietnam with a Canadian driver's licence?
An IDP alone is not enough: you need a local licence or permit. The Government of Canada says: “Vietnam does not recognize Canadian drivers licences or International Driving Permits issued in Canada.” (Government of Canada travel advice for Vietnam, travel.gc.ca, checked on 28 October 2026).
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.