Can I drive in Kuwait with a UK licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
No. GOV.UK says: “If you have a visit visa, you can drive in Kuwait using a UK photocard driving licence.” (FCDO travel advice for Kuwait, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
If you need a permit anyway (for example because your car hire company asks for one), the type is: 1968 (GOV.UK table).
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
GOV.UK: international driving permit table
| Country or territory | Type of IDP | More information |
|---|---|---|
| Kuwait | 1968 | – |
Source: GOV.UK, Driving abroad: check if you need an international driving permit (IDP), page updated 29 January 2025, checked on 28 October 2026. GOV.UK says: “Check the table to find out if you need an IDP.”
FCDO travel advice for Kuwait: “Transport risks”
If you have a visit visa, you can drive in Kuwait using a UK photocard driving licence. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
Drink-driving is a serious offence in Kuwait. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may get a fine, imprisonment, or deportation and the withdrawal of your driving licence.
Source: FCDO travel advice: Kuwait travel advice, page updated 27 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
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 in Kuwait
Hiring a car in Kuwait? 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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Other licences in Kuwait
| Licence | In Kuwait | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian licence | IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | It depends | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Kuwait
- British passport: Kuwait entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Kuwait
- Australian passport: Kuwait
- Italian citizens: Kuwait
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Kuwait with a UK photocard driving licence?
No. GOV.UK says: “If you have a visit visa, you can drive in Kuwait using a UK photocard driving licence.” (FCDO travel advice for Kuwait, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in Kuwait with my UK licence?
GOV.UK says: “If you have a visit visa, you can drive in Kuwait using a UK photocard driving licence.”
Where do I get an international driving permit in the UK?
GOV.UK says: “You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.” “An IDP costs £5.50.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of GOV.UK, 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 UK licence · Driving abroad: all licences.