Can I drive in Pakistan with a UK licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
Yes. GOV.UK says: “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.” (FCDO travel advice for Pakistan, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Type of international driving permit: 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 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 Pakistan: “Transport risks”
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. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. If you don’t have the correct documents to drive, you could be detained and a police report could be registered in your name.
Source: FCDO travel advice: Pakistan 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 Pakistan
IDP needed in Pakistan: the official advice quoted above says you need an international driving permit to drive there with a UK licence. 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 Pakistan? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars.
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Other licences in Pakistan
| Licence | In Pakistan | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian licence | Recommended | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | IDP needed | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Pakistan
- British passport: Pakistan entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Pakistan
- Australian passport: Pakistan
- Italian citizens: Pakistan
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Pakistan with a UK photocard driving licence?
Yes. GOV.UK says: “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.” (FCDO travel advice for Pakistan, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in Pakistan with my UK licence?
GOV.UK says: “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.”
Which international driving permit do I need for Pakistan?
GOV.UK's international driving permit table lists the 1968 IDP for Pakistan.
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.