🇱🇧 Do you need an IDP to drive in Lebanon?

Yes — to drive in Lebanon you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Lebanon 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. Both the UK FCDO and the US State Department state an International Driving Permit is required to drive in Lebanon, and the FCDO specifies the 1968 version (the 1949 IDP is no longer accepted). Carry the IDP together with your national licence. The US advisory is Level 4 (Do Not Travel) and notes aggressive driving and poor road conditions.

A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Lebanon read your licence, but where Lebanon requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.

Rental companies ask for both your national licence and an IDP before renting; obtain the 1968 IDP before travel.

Lebanon 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.

Because Lebanon 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.