Do you need an International Driving Permit in Kuwait?

Yes. Kuwait 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
14 March 1980

Kuwait and the road traffic conventions

ConventionStatusIn force sincePermit validity
1968 Vienna ConventionAcceded14 March 19803 years
1949 Geneva ConventionNot a party——

Which vehicles your permit covers in Kuwait

Kuwait 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 Arabic page of the International Driving Agency booklet, listing vehicle categories A to E
The Arabic page of our booklet, showing the same categories an officer in Kuwait 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 Kuwait

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. Kuwait appears on it.

What the road rules say in Kuwait

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

Blood alcohol limit
Zero tolerance
Emergency services
general 112, police 112, ambulance 112, fire 112

Common questions about driving in Kuwait

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Kuwait?
Up to 3 years. Kuwait joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 14 March 1980 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 Kuwait 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 Kuwait's road authority before you travel.
What do I dial in an emergency in Kuwait?
Reach general on 112, police on 112, ambulance on 112, fire on 112. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Kuwait. 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 Kuwait?
Kuwait 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 Kuwait?
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.