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World Driving Permit

🇵🇰 Do you need an IDP to drive in Pakistan?

IDP required· 1949 Geneva Convention· Last reviewed 18 Jun 2026

Short answer

Yes — to drive in Pakistan 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.

Driving in Pakistan: the rule explained

Pakistan requires foreign drivers to hold an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence, and it is requested by rental agencies and at police checkpoints. Pakistan drives on the LEFT and follows the 1949 Geneva Convention, so the 1949-model IDP is the correct format. The FCDO maintains 'advise against all travel' and 'all but essential travel' warnings for several regions (Balochistan, much of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, border zones).

Renting a car in Pakistan

Self-drive rental is uncommon; most visitors hire a car with a driver, but where self-drive is offered an IDP and passport are required.

Motorcycles & scooters: Motorcycle category must be endorsed on the licence and IDP; helmets are required.

What to carry when driving in Pakistan

  • 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
  • Drive on the LEFT
  • Check FCDO regional advisories

Check your exact trip

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Translation companion

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

Pakistan: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Pakistan?
Yes — to drive in Pakistan 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. Pakistan requires foreign drivers to hold an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence, and it is requested by rental agencies and at police checkpoints. Pakistan drives on the LEFT and follows the 1949 Geneva Convention, so the 1949-model IDP is the correct format. The FCDO maintains 'advise against all travel' and 'all but essential travel' warnings for several regions (Balochistan, much of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, border zones).
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Pakistan?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Pakistan 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 Pakistan?
Self-drive rental is uncommon; most visitors hire a car with a driver, but where self-drive is offered an IDP and passport are required.
Which IDP convention does Pakistan use?
Pakistan 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