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World Driving Permit

🇧🇾 Do you need an IDP to drive in Belarus?

IDP required· 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 18 Jun 2026

Short answer

Yes — to drive in Belarus 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 Belarus: the rule explained

To drive in Belarus you need a full valid national licence plus a 1968 International Driving Permit. Belarus is a 1968 Vienna Convention country, so the 1968 IDP is the correct version. Importantly, the UK FCDO advises against all travel to Belarus, so the licence rule applies only if travel is unavoidable.

Renting a car in Belarus

Self-drive tourism is heavily constrained by the do-not-travel advisory and sanctions; if hiring, expect the national licence plus a 1968 IDP to be required.

Motorcycles & scooters: Carry the relevant motorcycle category alongside the 1968 IDP.

What to carry when driving in Belarus

  • 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
  • 1968 Vienna IDP before travel
  • Review FCDO do-not-travel advisory and insurance validity

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.

Belarus: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Belarus?
Yes — to drive in Belarus 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. To drive in Belarus you need a full valid national licence plus a 1968 International Driving Permit. Belarus is a 1968 Vienna Convention country, so the 1968 IDP is the correct version. Importantly, the UK FCDO advises against all travel to Belarus, so the licence rule applies only if travel is unavoidable.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Belarus?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Belarus 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 Belarus?
Self-drive tourism is heavily constrained by the do-not-travel advisory and sanctions; if hiring, expect the national licence plus a 1968 IDP to be required.
Which IDP convention does Belarus use?
Belarus 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

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

Requirements for other countries