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World Driving Permit

🇧🇹 Do you need an IDP to drive in Bhutan?

Depends on your licence· no UN road-traffic convention· Last reviewed 18 Jun 2026

Short answer

It depends on the licence you hold — Bhutan accepts some foreign licences directly while others require an International Driving Permit (IDP). Confirm the rule for your specific licence country before you travel. A translation on its own is not accepted in place of the IDP, so the permit itself is what you must carry.

Driving in Bhutan: the rule explained

It is uncommon for tourists to self-drive in Bhutan; travel is normally arranged through a licensed tour operator and rentals come with a driver. If you bring your own vehicle you must hire a guide and meet Bhutan Road Safety and Transport Authority requirements, carrying your licence, insurance, pollution-control documents and an entry permit, plus a daily charge. Bhutan drives on the left and road conditions can be dangerous.

Renting a car in Bhutan

Car hire comes with a driver; independent self-drive rental is effectively not offered to tourists.

Motorcycles & scooters: There are no traffic lights and mountain roads are hazardous; ride only with proper documentation and a guide if self-touring.

What to carry when driving in Bhutan

  • 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
  • Book through a licensed Bhutan tour operator
  • Vehicle entry permit + documents if bringing own vehicle
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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.

Bhutan: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Bhutan?
It depends on the licence you hold — Bhutan accepts some foreign licences directly while others require an International Driving Permit (IDP). Confirm the rule for your specific licence country before you travel. A translation on its own is not accepted in place of the IDP, so the permit itself is what you must carry. It is uncommon for tourists to self-drive in Bhutan; travel is normally arranged through a licensed tour operator and rentals come with a driver. If you bring your own vehicle you must hire a guide and meet Bhutan Road Safety and Transport Authority requirements, carrying your licence, insurance, pollution-control documents and an entry permit, plus a daily charge. Bhutan drives on the left and road conditions can be dangerous.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Bhutan?
In Bhutan a translation alone offers limited help — Bhutan looks for an IDP issued under the no specific convention, and you should always carry your original national licence.
What do I need to rent a car in Bhutan?
Car hire comes with a driver; independent self-drive rental is effectively not offered to tourists.
Which IDP convention does Bhutan use?
Bhutan recognises IDPs issued under the no specific 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? How to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Driving to Bhutan from your country

Requirements for other countries