Do you need an International Driving Permit in Vietnam?

Vietnam and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Vietnam

Vietnam 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 Vietnam

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 Vietnam

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

Blood alcohol limit

Zero tolerance

Emergency services

police 113, ambulance 115, fire 114

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

Common questions about driving in Vietnam

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Vietnam?

Up to 3 years. Vietnam joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 20 August 2014 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 Vietnam on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit and your UK driving licence with you whilst driving a car or motorbike in Vietnam." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Vietnam's road authority before you travel.

What do I dial in an emergency in Vietnam?

Reach police on 113, ambulance on 115, fire on 114. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Vietnam. 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 Vietnam?

Vietnam 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 Vietnam?

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.