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World Driving Permit

🇴🇲 Do you need an IDP to drive in Oman?

IDP recommended· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 17 Jun 2026

Key facts

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

Short answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Oman, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Oman follows the 1968 Vienna Convention. Carry it alongside your original national licence. 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 Oman: the rule explained

The Royal Oman Police permits foreign visitors to drive in Oman on a valid home-country licence for tourism or transit, provided it is used within the validity of their visit visa and for no more than three months from entry. ROP does not legally mandate an IDP for short-stay tourists, but Oman ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention in 2020, so a 1968 IDP is the standard internationally recognised document.

Exemption: ROP's published rules accept any home-country licence for up to three months, so no nationality-based IDP exemption list is documented.

Renting a car in Oman

Although ROP accepts the home-country licence, many car rental companies in Oman require or strongly prefer an IDP alongside the original licence, especially for licences not in Latin script.

Motorcycles & scooters: Tourists wishing to ride a motorcycle should carry a foreign licence (and IDP) with the appropriate two-wheeler category endorsed.

What to carry when driving in Oman

  • 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
  • Carry both the original physical home-country licence and a 1968 IDP
  • Ensure use stays within the 3-month-from-entry / visit-visa validity window
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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.

Oman: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Oman?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Oman, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Oman follows the 1968 Vienna Convention. Carry it alongside your original national licence. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. The Royal Oman Police permits foreign visitors to drive in Oman on a valid home-country licence for tourism or transit, provided it is used within the validity of their visit visa and for no more than three months from entry. ROP does not legally mandate an IDP for short-stay tourists, but Oman ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention in 2020, so a 1968 IDP is the standard internationally recognised document.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Oman?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Oman read your licence, but where Oman 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 Oman?
Although ROP accepts the home-country licence, many car rental companies in Oman require or strongly prefer an IDP alongside the original licence, especially for licences not in Latin script.
Which IDP convention does Oman use?
Oman 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 Oman?
Because Oman 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 Oman from your country

Requirements for other countries