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World Driving Permit

🇦🇫 Do you need an IDP to drive in Afghanistan?

Depends on your licence· 1949 Geneva Convention· Last reviewed 18 Jun 2026

Short answer

It depends on the country that issued your licence — Afghanistan accepts some foreign licences directly while others require an International Driving Permit (IDP). Confirm the rule for your specific licence before you travel.

Driving in Afghanistan: the rule explained

The UK FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan, where road travel is described as highly dangerous and there is no British Embassy or in-person consular help. Afghanistan is historically a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention, so a 1949 IDP carried with your national licence is the standard document, but tourism and car rental are effectively not viable given the security situation. Treat the licence question as secondary to the do-not-travel advisory.

Renting a car in Afghanistan

Self-drive rental for tourists is not a practical option; visitors generally rely on pre-arranged trusted local drivers and security arrangements rather than rental desks.

What to carry when driving in Afghanistan

  • Original driving license (physical card)
  • Passport with valid visa/entry stamp
  • Translation companion or certified translation of your license
  • Proof of insurance covering the destination
  • Review FCDO/State Dept advisory before any travel
  • Confirmed local fixer or driver, not self-drive

Check your exact trip

Get a tailored answer for your licence country, dates and vehicle.

Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

Afghanistan: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Afghanistan?
It depends on the country that issued your licence — Afghanistan accepts some foreign licences directly while others require an International Driving Permit (IDP). Confirm the rule for your specific licence before you travel. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan, where road travel is described as highly dangerous and there is no British Embassy or in-person consular help. Afghanistan is historically a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention, so a 1949 IDP carried with your national licence is the standard document, but tourism and car rental are effectively not viable given the security situation. Treat the licence question as secondary to the do-not-travel advisory.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Afghanistan?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Afghanistan read your licence, but it does not replace an IDP where one is legally required. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Afghanistan?
Self-drive rental for tourists is not a practical option; visitors generally rely on pre-arranged trusted local drivers and security arrangements rather than rental desks.
Which IDP convention does Afghanistan use?
Afghanistan recognises IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Make sure your IDP is issued by your own country's authorised issuer under the matching convention.

Official sources

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? See how to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Requirements for other countries