International Driving Permit for Greece
Greece drives on the right and rewards drivers with island coastlines, mountain villages and ancient sites, though roads range from modern toll motorways to tight, winding lanes. EU and EEA licences are accepted directly, but visitors from outside the EU are normally expected to carry an IDP because Greek uses its own alphabet. Toll roads on the mainland and varied driving standards mean you should stay alert and budget for tolls.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Greece?
EU and EEA licences are valid in Greece, but non-EU visitors are generally required to carry an International Driving Permit because the Greek licence and many signs use the Greek alphabet.
Quick facts
- Driving side
- Right
- Minimum driving age
- 17 years
- Region
- Europe
- IDP
- Recommended
Local languages: Greek
Driving in Greece: key facts
- Mainland motorways such as the routes toward Thessaloniki and the Peloponnese charge tolls, while many island and mountain roads are narrow and twisting.
- Greece has a relatively low blood-alcohol limit, around 0.05 percent for most drivers and stricter for novices and motorcyclists.
- Driving is on the right, seatbelts are compulsory, and helmets are mandatory on the scooters and motorbikes that are popular on the islands.
How to get your IDP for Greece
Getting your International Driving Permit for Greece 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 Greece.
Frequently asked questions about driving in Greece
Do I need an IDP to drive in Greece?
EU and EEA licence holders do not need one, but visitors with a non-EU licence are generally required to carry an IDP alongside their national licence.
Can I rent a car in Greece with a foreign licence?
Yes, rental companies across the mainland and islands accept valid foreign licences, and non-EU drivers should also present an IDP and their passport.
What side of the road does Greece drive on?
Greece drives on the right-hand side of the road.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Greece?
You can hold a licence from 17, but rental firms generally require drivers to be at least 21 or 23 and to have held their licence for at least a year, with young-driver surcharges common.
Other countries in Europe
International Driving Permit for Greece
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