International Driving Permit for Gibraltar
Gibraltar drives on the right, unlike the United Kingdom, even though it is a British Overseas Territory, which surprises many UK visitors. The territory is tiny, so most people walk or cross from Spain, and parking is extremely limited around the Rock and the town centre. Roads are narrow and congested, and you may have to wait at the airport runway crossing when flights arrive or depart.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Gibraltar?
Most visitors can drive in Gibraltar on a valid national licence for short stays, so an IDP is only useful as a backup, particularly if your licence is not in English or the Latin alphabet.
Quick facts
- Driving side
- Right
- Minimum driving age
- 18 years
- Region
- Europe
- IDP
- Useful
Local languages: English, Spanish
Driving in Gibraltar: key facts
- Despite being British, Gibraltar drives on the right like neighbouring Spain, while the UK drives on the left.
- The main access road crosses the airport runway, and traffic stops with barriers whenever an aircraft is taking off or landing.
- Space is extremely tight, parking is scarce and tightly controlled, and many visitors leave their car in Spain and walk across the border.
How to get your IDP for Gibraltar
Getting your International Driving Permit for Gibraltar takes only a few minutes:
- 1Apply online
Complete a short application in about 2 minutes — no paperwork or appointments.
- 2Upload your documents
Add a photo of your national driving licence and a passport-style photo.
- 3Get your IDP instantly
Receive your digital International Driving Permit by email, ready to use in Gibraltar.
Frequently asked questions about driving in Gibraltar
Do I need an IDP to drive in Gibraltar?
No, most visitors can drive on a valid national licence for short stays, though an IDP is a useful backup if your licence is not in English or uses a non-Latin script.
Can I rent a car in Gibraltar with a foreign licence?
Car hire within Gibraltar is very limited due to its small size; many visitors instead rent in Spain, where you should carry your licence and an IDP if appropriate.
What side of the road does Gibraltar drive on?
Gibraltar drives on the right-hand side of the road, the same as Spain and unlike the United Kingdom.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Gibraltar?
The minimum driving age is 18, and any rental provider will typically require drivers to be older, often at least 21, with a recently held licence.
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International Driving Permit for Gibraltar
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