International Driving Permit for Kuwait
Kuwait drives on the right, and short-term visitors are generally advised to carry an IDP alongside their home licence because the local licence is issued in Arabic. The country has modern, wide highways, but traffic in Kuwait City can be fast and congested. Residents must obtain a local Kuwaiti licence, while tourists typically rely on a foreign licence plus an IDP.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Kuwait?
An International Driving Permit is recommended for visitors to Kuwait, where it pairs an Arabic translation with your home licence for rentals and police checks during short stays.
Quick facts
- Driving side
- Right
- Minimum driving age
- 18 years
- Region
- Middle East
- IDP
- Recommended
Local languages: Arabic
Driving in Kuwait: key facts
- Kuwait enforces a strict zero-tolerance approach to alcohol, which is banned countrywide, so never drink and drive.
- Highways are modern and multi-lane, and seatbelts are required, with mobile-phone use while driving penalised.
- Summer heat is extreme, so carry water and ensure your vehicle's air conditioning and tyres are in good condition.
How to get your IDP for Kuwait
Getting your International Driving Permit for Kuwait 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 Kuwait.
Frequently asked questions about driving in Kuwait
Do I need an IDP to drive in Kuwait?
Short-term visitors are recommended to carry an IDP with their home licence, since the local licence is in Arabic; longer-term residents must obtain a Kuwaiti licence.
Can I rent a car in Kuwait with a foreign licence?
Tourists can usually rent with a valid foreign licence, and rental firms commonly expect an IDP as well; residents are generally required to hold a local licence.
What side of the road does Kuwait drive on?
Kuwait drives on the right-hand side of the road, using left-hand-drive vehicles.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Kuwait?
The minimum driving age is 18, but most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 or higher and may apply a surcharge for younger renters.
Other countries in Middle East
International Driving Permit for Kuwait
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