Can I drive in the United Arab Emirates with a UK licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
No. GOV.UK says: “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the UAE.” (FCDO travel advice for the United Arab Emirates, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | 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 the United Arab Emirates: “Transport risks”
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the UAE. 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.
If you’re applying for residence in the UAE, you can use your UK licence until your residence permit is issued, after which you’ll need to get a UAE driving licence from the traffic department.
Source: FCDO travel advice: United Arab Emirates 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 the United Arab Emirates
Hiring a car in the United Arab Emirates? 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.
Compare car hire in the United Arab Emirates
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Other licences in the United Arab Emirates
| Licence | In United Arab Emirates | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | IDP needed | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to the United Arab Emirates
- British passport: United Arab Emirates entry requirements
- Canadian passport: United Arab Emirates
- Australian passport: United Arab Emirates
- Italian citizens: Emirati Arabi Uniti
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for the United Arab Emirates with a UK photocard driving licence?
No. GOV.UK says: “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the UAE.” (FCDO travel advice for the United Arab Emirates, GOV.UK, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in the United Arab Emirates with my UK licence?
GOV.UK says: “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the UAE.”
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.