Do you need an International Driving Permit in Egypt?

Egypt and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Egypt

Egypt 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.

• A
• B
• C
• D
• BE, CE, DE

What each category covers under the 1968 Vienna Convention

What to carry when you drive in Egypt

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

What the road rules say in Egypt

The UK Foreign Office advises carrying an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence in Egypt.

The UK Foreign Office names the 1949 convention for Egypt. Note this differs from the United Nations depositary record above, so carry both your licence and the permit and check locally.

Common questions about driving in Egypt

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Egypt?

Up to 3 years. Egypt joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 15 December 2023 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 Egypt on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Egypt's road authority before you travel.

Does the permit replace my driving licence in Egypt?

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.