Where an IDP Is Required: List of Countries and Legal Basis
International Driving Permits: In Which Countries They Are Mandatory and Why
An International Driving Permit (IDP), also known as a Международное водительское удостоверение (МВУ), is an official document that accompanies your national driver’s license when driving abroad. It is especially important for tourists renting a car in another country and is often a mandatory requirement under international agreements.
Legal Basis: The Geneva and Vienna Conventions
1. The Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (1949)
This convention allows drivers temporarily present in a foreign country to operate a vehicle if they have:
- A valid national driver’s license;
- An international permit issued under the Geneva model (usually valid for 1 year);
- And only if the destination country is also a signatory of the Geneva Convention.
2. The Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (1968)
This more modern and widely accepted treaty specifies the format and validity of an IDP:
- The IDP is valid for up to 3 years but not beyond the expiration of the national license;
- The document must follow a standardized international format (A6 booklet);
- Member countries are obligated to recognize such permits.
Important: The UAE, most European, and many Asian countries follow the Vienna Convention. However, some countries like Japan and South Korea only recognize the Geneva model — so it’s essential to check in advance which version is required.
What Happens If You Drive Without an IDP?
- • The rental company may refuse to provide a vehicle, even if you pre-paid for the booking.
- • If stopped by the police, you may face fines or vehicle impoundment.
- • In case of an accident, your insurance may be invalid, and the provider could refuse compensation.
Where to Get an Official IDP
In the UAE and many other countries, a legal and internationally recognized IDP can be obtained through the International Drivers Association (IDA) — an organization accredited by the International Federation of Autotourism (IFA).
IDA issues IDPs in full compliance with the Geneva and Vienna Conventions. Each permit is registered in a central database, includes a QR code for instant verification, and is valid in over 180 countries.
Recommendations for Tourists
Countries Recognizing Road Traffic Conventions
Verify the validity of the International Driving Permit in your destination country below.