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World Driving Permit

🇬🇷 Do you need an IDP to drive in Greece?

IDP required· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 1 May 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires
Driving side
Right-hand
Minimum driving age
18+ years
Driving without the right documents
Greek police enforce IDP rules at roadside checks, especially on the islands; without the required permit you can be fined and refused a hire car.

Short answer

Yes — to drive in Greece you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Greece 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 Greece: the rule explained

Greece requires non-EU license holders to carry an IDP; rental agencies and police both check. EU licenses are fully valid.

Exemption: EU/EEA licenses are valid in Greece without an IDP.

Renting a car in Greece

Greek rental agencies are known to refuse non-EU licenses without an IDP, especially on islands.

What to carry when driving in Greece

  • 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
  • IDP (non-EU licenses)
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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.

Greece: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Greece?
Yes — to drive in Greece you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Greece 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. Greece requires non-EU license holders to carry an IDP; rental agencies and police both check. EU licenses are fully valid.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Greece?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Greece read your licence, but where Greece 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 Greece?
Greek rental agencies are known to refuse non-EU licenses without an IDP, especially on islands.
Which IDP convention does Greece use?
Greece 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 Greece?
Because Greece 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.
What is the minimum age to drive in Greece?
Visitors generally need to be at least 18 to drive in Greece; car-rental companies often set a higher minimum age and add a young-driver surcharge. Always confirm the age terms with your specific rental provider.

Official sources

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

Driving to Greece from your country

In-depth driving guides

Real-world driving and IDP guides for popular trips:

Requirements for other countries