Do I need an international driving permit with a UK licence? Every country (2026)
With a UK photocard driving licence, the official advice of GOV.UK (international driving permit table and FCDO travel advice) says you need an international driving permit in 56 countries and territories, you do not need one in 51, it depends in 82 (usually on how long you stay or on hiring a car), it is recommended in 4, and a local licence or permit is needed in 13; it says nothing about permits for 24 (last checked 28 October 2026).
- 56IDP needed
- 51no IDP needed
- 82it depends
- 17recommended or local permit
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.
Most searched with a UK licence
AustraliaNo IDP neededBangladeshIDP neededCanadaIt dependsChinaLocal permit neededFranceNo IDP neededGermanyIt dependsGreeceNo IDP neededHong KongIt dependsIndiaIDP neededIrelandNo IDP neededItalyNo IDP neededJapanIDP neededKuwaitNo IDP neededMalaysiaIDP neededMoroccoIDP neededNew ZealandIt dependsNorwayIt dependsOmanIt dependsPakistanIDP neededPolandIt dependsPortugalIt dependsRomaniaNo IDP neededSpainNo IDP neededThailandIDP neededTurkeyIt dependsUnited Arab EmiratesNo IDP neededUnited StatesIt dependsVietnamIDP neededZambiaIt dependsZimbabweIt depends
Every country and territory
Each answer quotes the official sentence that decides it. “It depends” means the official text sets a condition (length of stay, hiring a car, a translation, the region); “Not stated” means the official advice for that country says nothing about permits. “Type” is the type of IDP that GOV.UK's table lists for the country (1926, 1949 or 1968), even where you do not need one with a photocard licence. Click a country for the full official text.
| Country or territory | IDP? | Type | Official wording | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan Islamic Republic of Afghanistan | Not stated | – | – | 28 October 2026 |
| Albania Republic of Albania | Recommended | 1968 | “You may find it useful to have a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Algeria People's Democratic Republic of Algeria | It depends | 1949 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Algeria for up to 3 months after you first arrive.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Andorra Principality of Andorra | No IDP needed | 1949 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Andorra.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Angola Republic of Angola | It depends | 1949 | “Although you can drive on a UK photocard licence for up to 30 days, it is helpful to get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Anguilla | Local permit needed | – | “to buy a 25 US dollar local licence from a rental company, valid for 3 months” | 28 October 2026 |
| Antigua and Barbuda Antigua & Barbuda | Local permit needed | – | “You will need a temporary local driving licence to drive in Antigua and Barbuda.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Argentina Argentine Republic | IDP needed | 1949 | “You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Armenia Republic of Armenia | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need to have both a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence to drive in Armenia.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Aruba | IDP needed | – | “You’ll need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Australia | No IDP needed | 1949 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Australia if you remain a temporary overseas visitor.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Austria Republic of Austria | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Austria if you are aged 18 or over.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Azerbaijan Republic of Azerbaijan | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Bahamas Commonwealth of the Bahamas · The Bahamas | It depends | 1968 | “IDP needed for stays longer than 90 days.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in The Bahamas for up to 3 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Bahrain Kingdom of Bahrain | It depends | 1968 | “IDP needed for car hire, and for stays longer than 90 days.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Bahrain for up to 3 months.” “If you are staying longer than 3 months, you’ll need to have the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) or apply for a Bahraini driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Bangladesh People's Republic of Bangladesh | IDP needed | 1949 | “You need a 1949 international driving permit (IDP) and a UK driving licence to drive in Bangladesh.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Barbados | Not stated | 1949 | – | 28 October 2026 |
| Belarus Republic of Belarus | Not stated | 1968 | – | 28 October 2026 |
| Belgium Kingdom of Belgium | It depends | 1968 | “You can use a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or Isle of Man photocard driving licence for up to 6 months without an IDP.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Belize | It depends | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Belize for up to 3 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Benin Republic of Benin | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Bermuda | Not stated | – | – | 28 October 2026 |
| Bhutan Kingdom of Bhutan | Not stated | – | – | 28 October 2026 |
| Bolivia Bolivia, Plurinational State of · Plurinational State of Bolivia | IDP needed | 1949 | “You’ll need to have both a 1949 international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car to drive in Bolivia.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Caribbean Netherlands | No IDP needed | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Bonaire, St Eustatius or Saba.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia · Bosnia & Herzegovina · Bosnia-Herzegovina · Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina | It depends | 1968 | “If you’re renting or using someone else’s vehicle within the country, you must also have the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Botswana Republic of Botswana | It depends | 1949 | “IDP needed for car hire.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Brazil Federative Republic of Brazil | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Brazil.” | 28 October 2026 |
| British Indian Ocean Territory | Not stated | – | – | 28 October 2026 |
| British Virgin Islands Virgin Islands, British | It depends | – | “You can drive for up to 30 days on a UK licence in the BVI and then you must apply for a local licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Brunei Brunei Darussalam | It depends | – | “You can drive in Brunei with a valid UK driving licence for up to 90 days.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Bulgaria Republic of Bulgaria | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Burkina Faso | No IDP needed | 1949 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Burkina Faso.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Burundi Republic of Burundi | It depends | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Burundi for 6 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Cambodia Kingdom of Cambodia | It depends | 1949 | “To hire a car or a motorcycle over 125cc, you may sometimes need to have the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence.” “For long-term car rental or to drive a private car, you need to get a Cambodian driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Cameroon Republic of Cameroon | It depends | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Cameroon for up to 6 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Canada | It depends | 1949 | “Laws vary between provinces and territories, including: whether you are allowed to turn right on a red light; driving licence requirements – you may need to get an international driving permit (IDP)” | 28 October 2026 |
| Cape Verde Cabo Verde · Republic of Cabo Verde | It depends | 1968 | “You can use a valid UK photocard driving licence to drive in Cape Verde for up to 6 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Cayman Islands | No IDP needed | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the Cayman Islands.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Central African Republic | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Chad Republic of Chad | Local permit needed | – | “You must convert your UK driving licence to a Chadian one to drive in Chad.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Chile Republic of Chile | It depends | 1949 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Chile for 3 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| China China mainland · Mainland China · People's Republic of China | Local permit needed | – | “You must have a Chinese driving licence and valid insurance to drive in China.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Colombia Republic of Colombia | No IDP needed | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Colombia.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Comoros Union of the Comoros | It depends | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Comoros for up to 3 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Cook Islands | No IDP needed | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the Cook Islands.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Costa Rica Republic of Costa Rica | It depends | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Costa Rica for up to 180 days, depending on the length of stay you have been granted as a Tourist.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Côte d'Ivoire Cote d'Ivoire · Ivory Coast · Republic of Côte d'Ivoire | IDP needed | 1968 | “You must have the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) or a local driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Croatia Republic of Croatia | It depends | 1968 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence without an IDP.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Croatia for up to one year.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Cuba Republic of Cuba | It depends | 1968 | “You can drive in Cuba with a UK driving licence for up to 6 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Curaçao Curacao | No IDP needed | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Curaçao.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Cyprus Republic of Cyprus | It depends | 1949 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence for up to 30 days without an IDP.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Cyprus.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Czechia Czech Republic | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Czechia.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo Congo - Kinshasa · Congo, Democratic Republic of the · Congo, The Democratic Republic of the · DR Congo · DRC · Democratic Republic of Congo | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in DRC.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Denmark Kingdom of Denmark | It depends | 1968 | “You can use a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or Isle of Man photocard licence for periods up to 90 days without an IDP.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Denmark.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Djibouti Republic of Djibouti | It depends | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Djibouti for up to 12 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Dominica Commonwealth of Dominica | Local permit needed | – | “You must show your UK driving licence to get a temporary Dominican driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Dominican Republic | It depends | 1949 | “IDP needed for stays longer than 90 days.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the Dominican Republic for up to 3 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Ecuador Republic of Ecuador | It depends | 1949 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Ecuador for the first 6 months after you arrive.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Egypt Arab Republic of Egypt | IDP needed | 1949 | “You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” “You can drive in Egypt using your UK licence and an IDP for up to 6 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| El Salvador Republic of El Salvador | No IDP needed | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in El Salvador for the first 90 days after you arrive.” “El Salvador does not accept the international driving permit.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Equatorial Guinea Republic of Equatorial Guinea | Not stated | – | – | 28 October 2026 |
| Eritrea the State of Eritrea | IDP needed | 1949 | “If you are planning to drive in Eritrea, you will need a 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Estonia Republic of Estonia | It depends | 1968 | “You can use a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, or Jersey photocard driving licence for periods up to 90 days in any 180-day period without an IDP.” “You can drive in Estonia with a UK driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Eswatini Kingdom of Eswatini · Swaziland | IDP needed | 1949 | “You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Ethiopia Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia | It depends | – | “You can use your UK driving licence to drive for up to 2 weeks.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Falkland Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) | It depends | – | “You can use a UK driving licence to drive in the Falkland Islands for up to 12 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Fiji Republic of Fiji | No IDP needed | 1949 | “You can use a UK driving licence to drive in Fiji.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Finland Republic of Finland | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| France French Republic | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You do not need an IDP.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in France.” | 28 October 2026 |
| French Guiana French Guyana | No IDP needed | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in French Guiana.” | 28 October 2026 |
| French Polynesia | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need to carry both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence when driving.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Gabon Gabonese Republic | IDP needed | – | “You’ll need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Gambia Republic of the Gambia · The Gambia | It depends | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in The Gambia for up to 3 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Georgia | It depends | 1968 | “IDP needed for stays longer than 90 days.” “You can drive in Georgia with a UK driving licence for up to one year.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Germany Federal Republic of Germany | It depends | 1968 | “You can use a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, or Jersey photocard licence to drive for periods up to 6 months without an IDP.” “You can drive in Germany for up to 6 months with your UK photocard driving licence.” “If you stay longer, you’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Ghana Republic of Ghana | IDP needed | 1949 | “You can drive in Ghana using the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) or a Ghanaian driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Gibraltar | No IDP needed | – | “You can drive in Gibraltar with a UK driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Greece Hellenic Republic | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You do not need an IDP.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Greece.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Grenada | Local permit needed | – | “You must have a temporary Grenadian driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Guadeloupe | It depends | – | “You may need an international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Guam | It depends | 1949 | “IDP needed for stays longer than 30 days.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Guatemala Republic of Guatemala | It depends | 1949 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Guatemala for up to 3 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Guinea Republic of Guinea | IDP needed | 1949 | “You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Guinea-Bissau Republic of Guinea-Bissau | It depends | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Guinea-Bissau for up to 3 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Guyana Republic of Guyana | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Guyana.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Haiti Republic of Haiti | It depends | 1949 | “IDP needed for stays longer than 90 days.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Haiti for up to 90 days.” “After 90 days you’ll need an IDP.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Honduras Republic of Honduras | It depends | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Honduras for up to 3 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR · Hong Kong SAR China · Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China | It depends | – | “If you are visiting, you can drive in Hong Kong with a valid UK driving licence for up to 12 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Hungary | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You can use a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, or Jersey photocard licence without an IDP.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Hungary.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Iceland Republic of Iceland | It depends | 1949 (table); 1968 (FCDO) | “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Iceland for up to 30 days.” | 28 October 2026 |
| India Republic of India | IDP needed | 1949 | “You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Indonesia Republic of Indonesia | IDP needed | 1968 | “You cannot drive using your UK driving licence. You can drive using an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by the UK.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Iran Iran, Islamic Republic of · Islamic Republic of Iran | IDP needed | 1968 | “You must have a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) when using a UK driving licence to drive in Iran.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Iraq Republic of Iraq | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Ireland | No IDP needed | 1949 | “You do not need an IDP.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Israel State of Israel | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Italy Italian Republic | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Italy.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Jamaica | It depends | 1949 | “Your UK driving licence can be used to drive in Jamaica for up to 6 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Japan | IDP needed | 1949 | “You’ll need the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) plus your UK driving licence and insurance documents with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Jordan Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan | IDP needed | 1949 | “You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Kazakhstan Republic of Kazakhstan | IDP needed | 1968 | “You need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK licence to drive in Kazakhstan.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Kenya Republic of Kenya | It depends | 1968 | “IDP needed for stays longer than 90 days.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence in Kenya for up to 3 months.” “After 3 months, you’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Kiribati Republic of Kiribati | No IDP needed | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Kiribati.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Kosovo | No IDP needed | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Kosovo.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Kuwait State of Kuwait | No IDP needed | 1968 | “If you have a visit visa, you can drive in Kuwait using a UK photocard driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyz Republic | It depends | 1968 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Kyrgyzstan for up to 30 days.” “For stays longer than this, you’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Laos Lao PDR · Lao People's Democratic Republic | IDP needed | 1949 | “You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Latvia Republic of Latvia | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” “You can drive in Latvia with a UK driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Lebanon Lebanese Republic | No IDP needed | 1949 (table); 1968 (FCDO) | “You need either a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) or a UK driving licence to drive in Lebanon.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Lesotho Kingdom of Lesotho | It depends | 1949 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Lesotho for up to 3 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Liberia Republic of Liberia | Not stated | 1968 | – | 28 October 2026 |
| Libya | Not stated | 1949 | – | 28 October 2026 |
| Liechtenstein Principality of Liechtenstein | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” “You can drive in Liechtenstein with a UK driving licence.” “You do not need an international driving permit (IDP).” | 28 October 2026 |
| Lithuania Republic of Lithuania | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Lithuania.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Luxembourg Grand Duchy of Luxembourg | It depends | 1968 | “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Luxembourg for one year.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Macao Macao Special Administrative Region of China · Macau | IDP needed | 1949 | “If you are using a UK driving licence, you need a 1949 international driving permit (IDP) as well.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Madagascar Republic of Madagascar | IDP needed | 1949 | “You need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Malawi Republic of Malawi | It depends | 1949 | “IDP needed for stays longer than 90 days.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Malawi for up to 90 days.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Malaysia | IDP needed | 1949 | “You’ll need both the 1949 international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence to drive in Malaysia.” “You must buy a new IDP for each additional year you plan to drive in Malaysia.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Maldives Republic of Maldives | IDP needed | – | “You’ll need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Mali Republic of Mali | No IDP needed | 1949 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Mali.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Malta Republic of Malta | No IDP needed | 1949 | “You can use a UK, Gibraltar, or Jersey photocard driving licence without an IDP.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Malta.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Marshall Islands Republic of the Marshall Islands | Not stated | – | – | 28 October 2026 |
| Martinique | It depends | – | “You may need an international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Mauritania Islamic Republic of Mauritania | No IDP needed | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Mauritania.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Mauritius Republic of Mauritius | No IDP needed | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Mauritius.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Mayotte | It depends | – | “You may need an international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Mexico United Mexican States | No IDP needed | 1926 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Mexico.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Micronesia Federated States of Micronesia · Micronesia, Federated States of | Not stated | – | – | 28 October 2026 |
| Moldova Moldova, Republic of · Republic of Moldova | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Moldova.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Monaco Principality of Monaco | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Mongolia | IDP needed | 1968 | “You need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) and a UK driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Montenegro | Not stated | 1968 | – | 28 October 2026 |
| Montserrat | Local permit needed | – | “To drive in Montserrat, you must apply online for a temporary visitor’s driving licence, valid for 3 months” | 28 October 2026 |
| Morocco Kingdom of Morocco | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Mozambique Republic of Mozambique | It depends | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Mozambique for up to 90 days.” “After 90 days, you must have an IDP or a Mozambican driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Myanmar Burma · Republic of Myanmar | Recommended | 1968 | “At a minimum, you should carry both the 1969 international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Namibia Republic of Namibia | It depends | 1949 | “IDP needed for car hire.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Nauru Republic of Nauru | Not stated | – | – | 28 October 2026 |
| Nepal Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal | IDP needed | 1968 | “You need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence to drive in Nepal.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Netherlands Holland · Kingdom of the Netherlands | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You can drive in the Netherlands on a UK driving licence.” “If you’re hiring a car, you should check if the car hire company says you need an IDP.” | 28 October 2026 |
| New Caledonia | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| New Zealand | It depends | 1949 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in New Zealand for up to 18 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Nicaragua Republic of Nicaragua | No IDP needed | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Nicaragua.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Niger Republic of the Niger | IDP needed | 1968 | “You can drive in Niger using a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 3 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Nigeria Federal Republic of Nigeria | It depends | 1968 | “You can drive in Nigeria with a UK driving licence for up to 3 months.” “If you’re staying longer, you will need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP).” | 28 October 2026 |
| Niue | Local permit needed | – | “In Niue, you must apply for a local driving licence from the police department.” | 28 October 2026 |
| North Korea Democratic People's Republic of Korea · Korea, Democratic People's Republic of · Korea, North | Local permit needed | – | “International driving permits are not valid in North Korea.” | 28 October 2026 |
| North Macedonia Macedonia · Republic of North Macedonia | It depends | 1968 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in North Macedonia.” “Unless you’re driving a rental car or have a residence permit, you’ll also need to have the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP).” | 28 October 2026 |
| Norway Kingdom of Norway | It depends | 1968 | “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Norway for up to 90 days.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Oman Sultanate of Oman | It depends | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive a rental car in Oman for the first 6 weeks after you arrive.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Pakistan Islamic Republic of Pakistan | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Palau Republic of Palau | It depends | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Palau for up to 30 days.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Palestine Palestine, State of · Palestinian Territories · the State of Palestine | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Panama Republic of Panama | It depends | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Panama for up to 3 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Papua New Guinea Independent State of Papua New Guinea | It depends | 1949 | “IDP needed for stays longer than 30 days.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Papua New Guinea for the first 6 months after you arrive.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Paraguay Republic of Paraguay | No IDP needed | 1949 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Paraguay.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Peru Republic of Peru | It depends | 1968 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Peru for up to 6 months if your immigration stay permit is valid.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Philippines Republic of the Philippines · The Philippines | It depends | 1968 | “IDP needed for car hire, and for stays longer than 90 days.” “You can drive in the Philippines on a UK driving licence for up to 90 days.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Pitcairn Islands Pitcairn | Not stated | – | – | 28 October 2026 |
| Poland Republic of Poland | It depends | 1968 | “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Poland for up to 6 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Portugal Portuguese Republic | It depends | 1968 | “You can use a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or Isle of Man photocard driving licence to drive for periods up to 185 days without an IDP.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Portugal.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Qatar State of Qatar | IDP needed | 1968 | “If you do not have a Qatari driving license, you’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Republic of the Congo Congo · Congo - Brazzaville · Congo, Republic of the | No IDP needed | 1949 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the Republic of Congo.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Réunion Reunion | Not stated | – | “Check with the local authorities or your car hire company if you need an international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Romania | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Romania.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Russia Russian Federation | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Rwanda Rwandese Republic | IDP needed | 1949 | “You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Saint Barthélemy Saint-Barthélemy · St Barts · St. Barthélemy | No IDP needed | – | “You can drive using your UK driving licence in St Martin and St Barthélemy.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Helena · St. Helena | It depends | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive on St Helena for 3 months.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive on Ascension for 3 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Kitts & Nevis · St Kitts and Nevis · St. Kitts & Nevis · St. Kitts and Nevis | Local permit needed | – | “You must have a St Kitts and Nevis driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Saint Lucia St Lucia · St. Lucia | Local permit needed | 1949 | “Show your UK driving licence or IDP to the police to get a visitor’s licence.” “Travellers without a St Lucian driving licence must get a temporary driving permit.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Saint Martin (French part) Saint Martin · St. Martin | No IDP needed | – | “You can drive using your UK driving licence in St Martin and St Barthélemy.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon · St. Pierre & Miquelon | Not stated | – | “Check with the local authorities or your car hire company if you need an international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Saint Vincent & the Grenadines · St Vincent and the Grenadines · St. Vincent & Grenadines · St. Vincent and the Grenadines | Local permit needed | 1949 | “Show your UK driving licence or IDP to the police to get a visitor’s licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Samoa Independent State of Samoa | Local permit needed | – | “To drive in Samoa, you must buy a temporary driving permit, which requires your UK driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| San Marino Republic of San Marino | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| São Tomé and Príncipe Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe · Sao Tome and Principe · São Tomé & Príncipe | IDP needed | – | “You’ll need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Saudi Arabia Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | It depends | 1968 | “IDP needed for car hire.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence for the first 3 months after you arrive in Saudi Arabia.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Senegal Republic of Senegal | Recommended | 1968 | “You can drive in Senegal with a UK driving licence for up to 6 months.” “A 1968 international driving permit may be helpful in offering a translation for traffic officials.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Serbia Republic of Serbia | Recommended | 1968 | “You can drive with a UK photocard driving licence for a series of short visits up to a year, or for a single stay of up to 6 months.” “You may find it helpful to have the 1968 version of the international driving permit as Serbian police will be able to recognise it.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Seychelles Republic of Seychelles | It depends | 1968 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Seychelles for 3 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Sierra Leone Republic of Sierra Leone | It depends | 1949 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Sierra Leone for up to one month after you arrive.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Singapore Republic of Singapore | It depends | 1949 | “IDP needed for car hire, and for stays longer than 30 days.” “You can drive with a UK driving licence for up to 30 days.” “After that you need a 1949 international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Sint Maarten Sint Maarten (Dutch part) | Not stated | – | – | 28 October 2026 |
| Slovakia Slovak Republic | It depends | 1968 | “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Slovakia for up to 6 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Slovenia Republic of Slovenia | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You do not need an IDP if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man photocard licence.” “You can drive in Slovenia on your UK driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Solomon Islands | It depends | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the Solomon Islands for up to 4 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Somalia Federal Republic of Somalia | Not stated | 1926 | – | 28 October 2026 |
| South Africa Republic of South Africa | It depends | 1968 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in South Africa for up 12 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands | Not stated | – | – | 28 October 2026 |
| South Korea Korea · Korea, Republic of · Republic of Korea | IDP needed | 1949 | “You’ll need to have both the 1949 international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car when you drive in South Korea.” | 28 October 2026 |
| South Sudan Republic of South Sudan | No IDP needed | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in South Sudan.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Spain Kingdom of Spain | No IDP needed | 1949 | “You do not need an IDP.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Spain.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Sri Lanka Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka | IDP needed | 1949 | “As well as the IDP, you must get a Sri Lankan recognition permit from the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) in Colombo.” “You need a 1949 international driving permit (IDP) and a Sri Lankan ‘recognition permit’ to drive a hire vehicle.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Sudan Republic of the Sudan | It depends | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Sudan for up to 3 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Suriname Republic of Suriname | IDP needed | – | “You’ll need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Sweden Kingdom of Sweden | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You do not need an IDP.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Switzerland Swiss Confederation | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You do not need an IDP.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Switzerland.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Syria Syrian Arab Republic | Not stated | 1949 | – | 28 October 2026 |
| Taiwan Taiwan, Province of China | IDP needed | 1949 | “IDP needed for stays longer than 30 days.” “You need a 1949 international driving permit (IDP) as well as a UK driving licence to drive in Taiwan.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Tajikistan Republic of Tajikistan | IDP needed | 1968 | “You are permitted to drive in Tajikistan with a valid UK driving licence for up to 30 days. In addition, you must carry the 1968 version of the International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your UK licence” | 28 October 2026 |
| Tanzania Tanzania, United Republic of · United Republic of Tanzania | It depends | – | “You can drive in Tanzania with a UK driving licence for up to 6 months. For stays longer than this, an international driving permit (IDP) is required.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Thailand Kingdom of Thailand | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need to carry both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence while driving.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Timor-Leste Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste · East Timor | IDP needed | – | “You’ll need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Togo Togolese Republic | It depends | 1949 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Togo for up to 6 months.” “If you’re staying for longer than 6 months, you’ll need get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP).” | 28 October 2026 |
| Tokelau | Not stated | – | – | 28 October 2026 |
| Tonga Kingdom of Tonga | No IDP needed | – | “You can drive using your UK driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Trinidad and Tobago Republic of Trinidad and Tobago · Trinidad & Tobago | It depends | 1949 | “IDP needed for stays longer than 90 days.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Trinidad and Tobago for up to 90 days.” “You’ll need an IDP if you stay longer than 90 days.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Tunisia Republic of Tunisia | IDP needed | 1968 | “You can drive in Tunisia for up to one year with a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Turkey Republic of Türkiye · Turkiye · Türkiye | It depends | 1968 | “You need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) or a UK driving licence notarised in Turkish to drive in Turkey.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Turkmenistan | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Turks and Caicos Islands Turks & Caicos Islands · Turks and Caicos | It depends | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the Turks and Caicos Islands for one month.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Tuvalu | It depends | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Tuvalu for up to 2 weeks.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Uganda Republic of Uganda | It depends | 1949 | “IDP needed for stays longer than 90 days.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Ukraine | IDP needed | 1968 | “You must have a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK driving licence to drive in Ukraine.” | 28 October 2026 |
| United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi · Dubai · UAE | No IDP needed | 1968 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the UAE.” | 28 October 2026 |
| United States America · The United States · US · USA · United States of America | It depends | 1949 | “You should check if the individual state authority says you need an IDP.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Uruguay Eastern Republic of Uruguay | It depends | 1968 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Uruguay for the first 90 days after you arrive.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Uzbekistan Republic of Uzbekistan | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Vanuatu Republic of Vanuatu | No IDP needed | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Vanuatu.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Vatican City Holy See · Holy See (Vatican City State) · Vatican | Not stated | 1949 | – | 28 October 2026 |
| Venezuela Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela · Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of | It depends | 1949 | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Venezuela for up to one year, and after that you will need a Venezuelan driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Vietnam Socialist Republic of Viet Nam · Viet Nam | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit and your UK driving licence with you whilst driving a car or motorbike in Vietnam.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Wallis and Futuna | Not stated | – | “Check with the local authorities or your car hire company if you need an international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Western Sahara | IDP needed | 1968 | “You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Yemen Republic of Yemen | Not stated | – | – | 28 October 2026 |
| Zambia Republic of Zambia | It depends | – | “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Zambia for up to 90 days.” “If you plan to stay in Zambia for more than 90 days, you’ll need to have the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) or a Zambian driving licence.” | 28 October 2026 |
| Zimbabwe Republic of Zimbabwe | It depends | 1968 | “You can drive in Zimbabwe with a UK driving licence for up to 12 months.” | 28 October 2026 |
Where to get an international driving permit
GOV.UK says:
You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.
An IDP costs £5.50.
A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
You must always have your driving licence with you, as well as your IDP.
Source: GOV.UK, Get an international driving permit (IDP) and Check if you need an IDP, checked on 28 October 2026.
Hire a car
Hiring a car abroad? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules for your country in the table above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
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How we read the official advice
For UK licences we read two GOV.UK pages: the international driving permit table (“Country or territory / Type of IDP / More information”) and the driving paragraphs of the FCDO travel advice for each country. A table row with nothing under “More information” only tells you the type of IDP: the answer then comes from the FCDO advice. When the two pages disagree we give the more cautious answer and quote both. More on the About page. Spotted a change? Tell us.