Do you need an International Driving Permit in Albania?

Yes. Albania is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which recognises an International Driving Permit valid for up to 3 years when carried with your national licence.

Convention
1968 Vienna Convention
Permit valid up to
3 years
In force since
29 June 2000

Albania and the road traffic conventions

ConventionStatusIn force sincePermit validity
1968 Vienna ConventionAcceded29 June 20003 years
1949 Geneva ConventionAcceded1 October 19691 year

Which vehicles your permit covers in Albania

Albania applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1968 Vienna Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

The English page of the International Driving Agency booklet, listing vehicle categories A to E
The English page of our booklet, showing the same categories an officer in Albania would read.
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • BE, CE, DE

What each category covers under the 1968 Vienna Convention

What to carry when you drive in Albania

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

  • English
  • French
  • Spanish
  • Portuguese
  • Italian
  • German
  • Russian
  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • Japanese
  • Thai
  • Vietnamese
The inside cover of the booklet, listing the contracting states where the permit is recognised
The inside cover lists the contracting states. Albania appears on it.

What the road rules say in Albania

The Government of Canada advises carrying an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence in Albania.

Blood alcohol limit
0.01%

The UK Foreign Office names the 1968 convention for Albania, which matches the United Nations depositary record above.

Common questions about driving in Albania

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Albania?
Up to 3 years. Albania joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 29 June 2000 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 3 years from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.
Can I drive in Albania on my national licence alone?
The Government of Canada states: "You must carry an international driving permit." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Albania's road authority before you travel.
What is the drink-drive limit in Albania?
0.01% blood alcohol. That is lower than many drivers expect, and a single drink can put you over it.
Does the permit replace my driving licence in Albania?
No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.

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Sources

  1. Convention on Road Traffic (Vienna, 8 November 1968) United Nations Treaty Collection, 91 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.
  2. Convention on Road Traffic (Geneva, 19 September 1949) United Nations Treaty Collection, 103 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.