Can I drive in Portugal with a UK licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on how long you stay. GOV.UK says: “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.” (GOV.UK international driving permit table and FCDO travel advice for Portugal, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | 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. If you’re hiring a car, you should check if the car hire company says you need an IDP. If you have a paper driving licence, you’ll need to update it to a photocard licence or get an IDP. |
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 Portugal: “Transport risks”
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Portugal. 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.
Check how long you can use your UK licence if you live in Portugal.
Source: FCDO travel advice: Portugal travel advice, page updated 11 August 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 Portugal
Hiring a car in Portugal? 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.
Hiring a car in Portugal? How to pay tolls in Portugal with a rental car
Using public transport instead? The fine without a valid ticket, validation and contactless payment: Lisbon
Taking your dog or cat? Pet rules from the UK to Portugal: animal health certificate, rabies
Other licences in Portugal
| Licence | In Portugal | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | No IDP needed | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Portugal
- British passport: Portugal entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Portugal
- Australian passport: Portugal
- Italian citizens: Portogallo
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Portugal with a UK photocard driving licence?
It depends on how long you stay. GOV.UK says: “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.” (GOV.UK international driving permit table and FCDO travel advice for Portugal, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in Portugal with my UK licence?
GOV.UK says: “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.”
Which international driving permit do I need for Portugal?
GOV.UK's international driving permit table lists the 1968 IDP for Portugal.
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.