🇰🇼 Do you need an IDP to drive in Kuwait?

IDP required· 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 17 Jun 2026

Short answer

Driving in Kuwait: the rule explained

A foreign tourist driving in Kuwait on a visit/business visa must carry a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home-country licence, which on its own is not valid for rental driving. Kuwait is a contracting party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and is not party to the 1949 Geneva Convention, so a 1968-model IDP is the correct document. The driver must be at least 18.

Exemption: GCC nationals/residents may drive on their home GCC licence during a short visit; for the general foreign tourist an IDP is required.

Renting a car in Kuwait

Rental car companies in Kuwait routinely require visitors to present both the original national licence and an IDP, and will refuse the rental if either is missing.

Motorcycles & scooters: To ride a motorcycle the IDP and home licence must carry the corresponding motorcycle (category A) entitlement.

What to carry when driving in Kuwait

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
Carry the physical IDP plus your original home-country licence together
Confirm the IDP covers the vehicle category you intend to 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.

Kuwait: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Kuwait?

Yes — to drive in Kuwait you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. The IDP is a recognised translation of your licence; it never replaces the licence itself. A foreign tourist driving in Kuwait on a visit/business visa must carry a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home-country licence, which on its own is not valid for rental driving. Kuwait is a contracting party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and is not party to the 1949 Geneva Convention, so a 1968-model IDP is the correct document. The driver must be at least 18.

Is a translated driving licence accepted in Kuwait?

In Kuwait a translation alone offers limited help — follow the IDP guidance above and always carry your original national licence.

What do I need to rent a car in Kuwait?

Rental car companies in Kuwait routinely require visitors to present both the original national licence and an IDP, and will refuse the rental if either is missing.

Which IDP convention does Kuwait use?

Kuwait recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Make sure your IDP is issued by your own country's authorised issuer under the matching convention.

Official sources

Kuwait Ministry of Interior — General Department of Traffic

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

Requirements vary by country. Carry your translation together with your original driving licence and passport; some countries require an official IDP issued by an authorised body in your country of licence. Information provided is general guidance. Always check local regulations for your destination.