Driving Permit for Egypt
Driving in Egypt with a foreign licence? Egypt recognises the IDP under the 1968 convention — carry it with your home licence, drive on the right, and stay legal for up to 6 months as a visitor.
- Drive on
- Right
- Convention
- 1949 + 1968
- IDP validity
- 6 months
- Processing time
- 24-48 hours
Do you need an IDP to drive in Egypt?
Egypt recognises the International Driving Permit: it is a contracting party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, and the older 1949-format IDP is honoured too — the UK government specifically tells British drivers to carry the 1949 version alongside their UK licence. Whatever your home country, official guidance from both the UK and Canadian governments is consistent: carry an IDP together with your original licence when driving in Egypt. UK guidance confirms visitors can drive for up to six months on a home licence plus IDP; staying longer means converting to an Egyptian licence. Crucially, an IDP cannot be bought once you are abroad — arrange it before you travel.
At the rental desk the paperwork is straightforward: your original licence, IDP and passport. Counters in Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Luxor serve international arrivals daily, though many travellers hire a car with a driver instead of self-driving in Cairo, where traffic is famously intense. Egypt's minimum driving age is 18, but rental firms typically require drivers to be older, commonly 21 or above. On the road, expect frequent police and military checkpoints, especially on intercity and Sinai routes, so keep your documents at hand.
Traffic drives on the right-hand side. Seatbelts are compulsory for the driver and front-seat passenger, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offence that can bring a fine and possible imprisonment. Road conditions vary widely and Egypt's accident rate is among the highest in the world, so official advice is to avoid driving at night outside main urban areas. Two local quirks worth knowing: after an accident, do not move your vehicle unless you are in immediate danger, and 4x4 desert travel in parts of South Sinai requires a permit from Egypt's Ministry of Interior.
Egypt recognises the IDP under both the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions.
Egypt is a signatory to both the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. In practice, an IDP issued by another signatory country is recognised for your permitted visitor stay — in Egypt, plan on 6 months.
What you need to drive in Egypt
Have these ready before you pick up the keys.
Original, valid driver's licence from your home country (carry it at all times)
International Driving Permit — Egypt is party to the 1968 convention, and 1949-format IDPs are also honoured (UK guidance lists the 1949 IDP); obtain it before you travel
Minimum driving age in Egypt is 18; rental companies typically set higher minimums (commonly 21+)
Valid insurance — comprehensive cover is strongly advised given Egypt's high accident rate
Egypt is a contracting party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, and 1949-convention IDPs are also accepted — UK government advice lists the 1949 IDP for Egypt
Visitors can drive for up to 6 months on a foreign licence plus IDP, per UK government guidance
Seatbelts are compulsory for the driver and front-seat passenger
Canadian government advice notes Egypt's car accident rate is one of the highest in the world; avoid night driving outside main areas
After an accident, vehicles should not be moved unless occupants are in immediate danger
Off-road 4x4 travel in parts of South Sinai requires a permit from Egypt's Ministry of Interior, and military checkpoints are common on desert and Sinai routes
What to know before you turn the key
Egypt drives on the right — the driver sits on the left, and roundabouts flow anti-clockwise.
Carry your IDP and your original license together — rental desks and police checks will ask for both documents.
Rental desks in Cairo, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh generally expect an IDP alongside your home licence and passport; many visitors opt for a car with driver rather than self-driving in Cairo's dense traffic
Police and military checkpoints are common on intercity routes — keep your licence, IDP and passport within reach
You cannot buy an IDP once you are in Egypt; it must be issued in your home country before the trip
Driving without your home licence and IDP risks fines, trouble at Egypt's frequent police checkpoints and invalidated rental insurance. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offence in Egypt and can result in a fine and possible imprisonment.
Local rules to watch in Egypt
Low-emission zones, tolls, and city-specific rules that catch visiting drivers out.
Cairo: dense, fast-moving traffic with loosely enforced lane discipline — many visitors hire a car with driver rather than self-drive
Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada: the most common self-drive rental hubs for tourists; desks expect licence, IDP and passport
Sinai and desert routes: expect military checkpoints, and note that 4x4 desert excursions in South Sinai need a Ministry of Interior permit
Signs you'll meet on the road
Eight internationally recognised signs — including which side of the road Egypt keeps.
Common questions about driving in Egypt
Drive Egypt, confidently.
Apply online in minutes and get instant digital access to your IDP translation — with an IDP PVC card option if you want one in your wallet.