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World Driving Permit

🇰🇬 Do you need an IDP to drive in Kyrgyzstan?

Depends on your licence· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 18 Jun 2026

Key facts

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

Short answer

It depends on the licence you hold — Kyrgyzstan accepts some foreign licences directly while others require an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Confirm the rule for your specific licence country before you travel. 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 Kyrgyzstan: the rule explained

The UK FCDO allows a national photocard licence alone for stays up to 30 days; for longer stays you must carry both the 1968 International Driving Permit and your national licence. Kyrgyzstan is a party to the Vienna Convention, so a compliant national licence is recognised, while non-compliant licences require an IDP from the outset.

Renting a car in Kyrgyzstan

Rental agencies generally want your national licence plus an IDP; carry the 1968 IDP if staying beyond 30 days or if your licence is not Convention-compliant.

Motorcycles & scooters: The same 30-day / 1968-IDP rule applies to motorcycles.

What to carry when driving in Kyrgyzstan

  • 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 IDP for stays over 30 days
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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.

Kyrgyzstan: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Kyrgyzstan?
It depends on the licence you hold — Kyrgyzstan accepts some foreign licences directly while others require an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Confirm the rule for your specific licence country before you travel. 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 allows a national photocard licence alone for stays up to 30 days; for longer stays you must carry both the 1968 International Driving Permit and your national licence. Kyrgyzstan is a party to the Vienna Convention, so a compliant national licence is recognised, while non-compliant licences require an IDP from the outset.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Kyrgyzstan?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Kyrgyzstan read your licence, but where Kyrgyzstan 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 Kyrgyzstan?
Rental agencies generally want your national licence plus an IDP; carry the 1968 IDP if staying beyond 30 days or if your licence is not Convention-compliant.
Which IDP convention does Kyrgyzstan use?
Kyrgyzstan 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 Kyrgyzstan?
Because Kyrgyzstan 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 Kyrgyzstan from your country

Requirements for other countries