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World Driving Permit

🇧🇩 Do you need an IDP to drive in Bangladesh?

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

Key facts

IDP validity
1 year from issue
Driving side
Left-hand

Short answer

Yes — to drive in Bangladesh you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Bangladesh recognises IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required.

Driving in Bangladesh: the rule explained

The UK FCDO states you need a 1949 International Driving Permit and your national driving licence to drive in Bangladesh. Both documents must be carried together. Note the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Bangladesh, and driving conditions are hazardous due to poor standards and unlicensed vehicles.

Renting a car in Bangladesh

Most visitors hire a car with a driver rather than self-drive; if self-driving, the rental desk will expect your national licence plus the 1949 IDP.

Motorcycles & scooters: Bangladesh drives on the left; carry the relevant motorcycle category plus the 1949 IDP.

What to carry when driving in Bangladesh

  • 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
  • 1949 IDP obtained before travel
  • Consider hiring a car with driver
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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.

Bangladesh: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Bangladesh?
Yes — to drive in Bangladesh you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Bangladesh recognises IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. The UK FCDO states you need a 1949 International Driving Permit and your national driving licence to drive in Bangladesh. Both documents must be carried together. Note the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Bangladesh, and driving conditions are hazardous due to poor standards and unlicensed vehicles.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Bangladesh?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Bangladesh read your licence, but where Bangladesh requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Bangladesh?
Most visitors hire a car with a driver rather than self-drive; if self-driving, the rental desk will expect your national licence plus the 1949 IDP.
Which IDP convention does Bangladesh use?
Bangladesh 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.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Bangladesh?
Because Bangladesh follows the 1949 Geneva Convention, an IDP is valid for one year from its date of issue. The permit is only valid alongside your original national licence, and it cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one from your home country's authorised issuer when it lapses.

Official sources

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

Driving to Bangladesh from your country

Requirements for other countries