Driving Permit for Myanmar
Driving in Myanmar? Carry a 1968-convention IDP with your home licence. Myanmar drives on the right, most cars are right-hand drive, and nearly all hire cars come with a local driver.
- Drive on
- Right
- Convention
- 1968 Vienna
- IDP validity
- Varies
- Processing time
- 24-48 hours
Do you need an IDP to drive in Myanmar?
Myanmar recognises the International Driving Permit under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which it joined by accession on 26 June 2019 — it is not a party to the older 1949 Geneva Convention. The UK government advises visiting drivers to carry, at a minimum, an IDP together with their home driving licence. Official guidance is not uniform, though: Canada's travel advisory states that foreign licences and IDPs are not honoured on the ground and that a Myanmar driving licence is legally required. Because permit requirements can change suddenly, confirm exactly what documents you need in writing with your rental company before you travel.
In practice, very few visitors self-drive in Myanmar. Almost all car hire is chauffeur-driven — you rent the car and a local driver together — which sidesteps most licensing questions. Traffic drives on the right, a switch made in 1970, yet the majority of cars are used right-hand-drive imports from Japan, so drivers sit on the kerb side. Road standards are far below Western norms: only about a fifth of the network is paved, serious accidents are common, vehicles are often poorly maintained, and the May–October rainy season can leave roads impassable and bridges damaged.
A few local rules stand out. Under Myanmar law, the driver of a car that hits a pedestrian is always considered at fault and can be detained. Motorcycles are banned in Yangon, the largest city. Overland travel can be restricted at short notice because of the ongoing internal conflict, and Western governments currently advise against travel to much of the country — check the latest travel advisories before planning any road journey.
Myanmar recognises the IDP under the 1968 Vienna Convention.
Myanmar is a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention. In practice, an IDP issued by another signatory country is recognised for your permitted visitor stay.
What you need to drive in Myanmar
Have these ready before you pick up the keys.
Original home-country driving licence, carried at all times
International Driving Permit under the 1968 Vienna Convention — UK government advice is to carry it together with your licence
Some authorities may still expect a local Myanmar licence — confirm document requirements in writing with your rental firm before travel
Nearly all rental cars come with a local driver; self-drive by visitors is rare
Myanmar switched from left- to right-hand traffic in 1970, but most vehicles on the road are still right-hand-drive used imports from Japan.
Myanmar acceded to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 26 June 2019, per the UN Treaty Collection — it is not a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention.
Under Myanmar law, the driver of a car involved in an accident with a pedestrian is always at fault, and may be detained.
Motorcycles are banned in Yangon; the ban is city-specific and does not apply nationwide.
Only about 20% of Myanmar's road network is paved with asphalt or concrete; the rest is gravel, unpaved road or trail.
During the May–October rainy season, roads can become impassable and bridges damaged, especially outside the main highways.
What to know before you turn the key
Myanmar 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.
Official guidance conflicts: the UK says carry an IDP plus your home licence, while Canada's advisory says a Myanmar driving licence is legally required and IDPs are not honoured on the ground — get written confirmation from your rental provider.
Car hire in Myanmar is almost always chauffeur-driven; renting a car together with a local driver is the standard arrangement for visitors.
Western governments currently advise against travel to all or parts of Myanmar; overland routes can be restricted at short notice due to the internal conflict.
Myanmar publishes no reliably documented schedule of traffic fines for foreign drivers, so treat any site quoting exact amounts with caution. Driving without documents the authorities accept risks fines, invalidated insurance and detention. Notably, the driver of a car involved in an accident with a pedestrian is always deemed at fault under Myanmar law and is liable to be detained.
Local rules to watch in Myanmar
Low-emission zones, tolls, and city-specific rules that catch visiting drivers out.
Yangon: motorcycles are banned citywide and congestion is severe — average traffic speeds have dropped to roughly 10–15 km/h.
Bagan: foreign visitors typically explore the temple plain by rented e-bike rather than by car or motorbike.
Mandalay: the Yangon motorcycle ban does not apply here — motorbikes are permitted and widely used.
Signs you'll meet on the road
Eight internationally recognised signs — including which side of the road Myanmar keeps.
Common questions about driving in Myanmar
Drive Myanmar, 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.