Driving in Greece: Do You Need an International Driving License/Permit?
- Katerina
- Apr 27, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 19
In this article, you will find a clear answer to whether you need an International Driving License / Permit (IDP) to drive a car, moped, scooter, motorcycle, or ATV in Greece legally.
Because there is often confusion around this topic, we have included official sources so you can verify the accuracy of the information shared—just as we did in our previous article regarding the driving license requirements to drive a scooter or a motorcycle in Greece.
The Simple Answer
If your driving licence is issued in a country that has signed the Vienna Convention on Road Trafic, you do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Greece.
In addition, some countries have special agreements with Greece. Even if they have not signed the Vienna Convention, their citizens are still allowed to drive in Greece without an IDP.
Let’s Keep It Simple
You don't need an International Driving License / Permit (IDP) if your driving license has been issued in one of the following countries:
Countries with Special Agreements (No IDP Required)
Switzerland Australia https://greece.embassy.gov.au/athn/drive_permit.html
Canada https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/greece
South Korea United States of America
(EU countries are also included)
Important clarification:
For driving licences issued in countries such as the United States, a bilateral agreement with Greece allows drivers to operate vehicles without an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, as regulations and rental company policies may vary, it is always advisable to confirm the requirements in advance. 👉
Although not legally required in these cases, some rental providers may still request an IDP as an additional form of documentation.
European Union countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden)
Countries list that have sighned the Vienna Convention, no IDP needed
Albania
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Bulgaria
Central African Republic
Chile
Costa Rica
Côte d’Ivoire
Croatia
Cuba
Czech Republic
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Denmark
Ecuador
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Holy See
Hungary
Indonesia
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Israel
Italy
Kazakhstan
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Liberia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Mexico
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Niger
Norway
Pakistan
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Korea
Romania
Russian Federation
San Marino
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Tajikistan
Thailand
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Tunisia
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
Zimbabwe
When Do You Need an IDP?
If your driving licence:
does not fall under the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic
is not issued by a country listed above, or (SPECIAL AGREEMENT)
👉 then you will need an International Driving Permit to drive in Greece legally.
Important Note
An International Driving Permit is not a standalone document. It must always be carried together with your valid national driving licence.
Please note that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is always issued based on your national driving licence. It is only valid when presented together with a valid driving licence from your country of origin.
If you are planning your scooter ride in Corfu, you can find more details about licence categories and age requirements here, so you can prepare with clarity and confidence and avoid any last-minute surprises.
⚠️ Before You Apply Online
Be careful when applying for an IDP online.
Official International Driving Permits are usually issued by authorised organisations in your country (such as automobile associations). Always make sure you are using a legitimate provider. Our effort in gathering and verifying the information above is intended to help travellers make informed decisions about whether an International Driving Permit is required to drive legally in Greece. At the same time, we hope this information supports companies within our industry in maintaining clear and up-to-date terms and conditions.
👉 If you have any doubts regarding your driving licence, feel free to contact us—we will be happy to guide you.
Wishing you safe and pleasant travels!
Kind regards,
Katerina
Information Sources :
For more details regarding the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, you may refer to: