International Driving Permit for Egypt

Egypt drives on the right-hand side, but city traffic in Cairo and Alexandria is famously dense, fast and improvisational, with lane markings treated as suggestions. Because Egyptian licences are issued in Arabic and authorities require a recognised translation, an International Driving Permit is needed to drive legally on a foreign licence. Driving at night outside cities is best avoided due to poorly lit roads.

Do you need an IDP to drive in Egypt?

Required

Foreign visitors need an International Driving Permit to legally drive in Egypt, as the national authorities require it alongside your home licence.

Driving side: Right
Minimum driving age: 18 years
Region: Africa
IDP: Required

Local languages: Arabic

Driving in Egypt: key facts

Egyptian driving licences are issued in Arabic script, so an IDP serves as the official translation of your foreign licence.
Some desert and Sinai routes pass through military checkpoints where you must present your passport and documents.
Seat belts are required for front-seat occupants, and using a horn is a constant feature of urban driving.

How to get your IDP for Egypt

Getting your International Driving Permit for Egypt takes only a few minutes:

1
Apply online
Complete a short application in about 2 minutes — no paperwork or appointments.
2
Upload your documents
Add a photo of your national driving licence and a passport-style photo.
3
Get your IDP instantly
Receive your digital International Driving Permit by email, ready to use in Egypt.

Frequently asked questions about driving in Egypt

Do I need an IDP to drive in Egypt?

Yes, Egypt requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit together with their valid national licence to drive or rent a vehicle legally.

Can I rent a car in Egypt with a foreign licence?

You can rent a car with a foreign licence, but you should also carry an IDP, which rental companies and police expect. Many visitors instead hire a car with a local driver.

What side of the road does Egypt drive on?

Egypt drives on the right-hand side of the road, using left-hand-drive vehicles.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Egypt?

The minimum driving age is 18, but rental companies generally require drivers to be at least 21 or 25 and to have held a licence for at least a year.

Other countries in Africa

Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Bouvet Island British Indian Ocean Territory Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cameroon Central African Republic Chad