Do you need an International Driving Permit in Chile?

Yes. Chile is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, which recognises an International Driving Permit valid for up to 1 year when carried with your national licence.

Convention
1949 Geneva Convention
Permit valid up to
1 year
In force since
10 August 1960

Chile and the road traffic conventions

ConventionStatusIn force sincePermit validity
1968 Vienna ConventionNot a party——
1949 Geneva ConventionAcceded10 August 19601 year

Which vehicles your permit covers in Chile

Chile applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1949 Geneva 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 Spanish page of the International Driving Agency booklet, listing vehicle categories A to E
The Spanish page of our booklet, showing the same categories an officer in Chile would read.
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E

What each category covers under the 1949 Geneva Convention

What to carry when you drive in Chile

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. Chile appears on it.

What the road rules say in Chile

The UK Foreign Office and the Government of Canada both advise that a foreign national licence is accepted for a limited period in Chile, for stays of up to 90 days.

Blood alcohol limit
Zero tolerance
Emergency services
police 133, ambulance 131, fire 132

Common questions about driving in Chile

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Chile?
Up to 1 year. Chile joined the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic on 10 August 1960 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 1 year from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.
Can I drive in Chile on my national licence alone?
The UK Foreign Office states: "You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Chile for 3 months." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Chile's road authority before you travel.
What do I dial in an emergency in Chile?
Reach police on 133, ambulance on 131, fire on 132. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Chile. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.
What is the drink-drive limit in Chile?
Chile operates zero tolerance, so do not drink at all before driving. Penalties are typically far heavier than a fine.
Does the permit replace my driving licence in Chile?
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.