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World Driving Permit

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

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

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires

Short answer

Yes — to drive in Belarus you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Belarus recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna 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 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
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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. Belarus recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna 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. 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 where Belarus requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. 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.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Belarus?
Because Belarus follows the 1968 Vienna Convention, an IDP is valid for up to three years, or until your national licence expires — whichever comes first. 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 Belarus from your country

Requirements for other countries