Do you need an International Driving Permit in Qatar?

Yes. Qatar 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
6 March 2013

Qatar and the road traffic conventions

ConventionStatusIn force sincePermit validity
1968 Vienna ConventionAcceded6 March 20133 years
1949 Geneva ConventionNot a party——

Which vehicles your permit covers in Qatar

Qatar 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 Qatar 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 Qatar

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. Qatar appears on it.

What the road rules say in Qatar

Blood alcohol limit
Zero tolerance
Emergency services
general 999, police 999, ambulance 999, fire 999

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

Common questions about driving in Qatar

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Qatar?
Up to 3 years. Qatar joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 6 March 2013 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.
What do I dial in an emergency in Qatar?
Reach general on 999, police on 999, ambulance on 999, fire on 999. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Qatar. 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 Qatar?
Qatar 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 Qatar?
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.