Do you need an International Driving Permit in Slovakia?

Slovakia and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Slovakia

Slovakia 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 Slovakia

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 Slovakia

The UK Foreign Office advises that a foreign national licence is accepted for a limited period in Slovakia, for stays of up to 180 days.

Blood alcohol limit

Zero tolerance

Emergency services

police 158, ambulance 155, fire 150

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

Common questions about driving in Slovakia

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Slovakia?

Up to 3 years. Slovakia joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 1 February 1993 by succession, 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 Slovakia on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Slovakia for up to 6 months." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Slovakia's road authority before you travel.

What do I dial in an emergency in Slovakia?

Reach police on 158, ambulance on 155, fire on 150. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Slovakia. 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 Slovakia?

Slovakia 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 Slovakia?

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.