●Issued in as fast as 8 minutesInstant digital delivery to your inboxUsed in 195+ countries
International Driver LicenceIDP-format licence translation service
Home/Countries/Belarus
Country requirements · Belarus

Do you need an International Driving Permit to drive in Belarus?

Short answer
Yes — Belarus expects visiting drivers to carry a certified IDP translation of their licence alongside the original, especially if it isn't printed in the Roman alphabet, so rental counters and police can verify your credentials without delay. Belarus drives on the right under the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is expected because domestic licences and road signs use Cyrillic. It is prepared in the 1968 Vienna Convention format that Belarus recognises. At rental desks operated by Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo, Budget, Avis and Sixt, a valid IDP is a standard counter requirement for foreign licences; arriving without one can mean a refused booking or a lost deposit. Belarus drives on the right and the minimum rental age is typically 18+, with a young-driver surcharge usually applied under 25.
Get my permit for Belarus See all countries
Daniel MercerWritten by Daniel MercerSofia LindqvistReviewed by Sofia LindqvistUpdated July 2026

Sourced from the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna Conventions and rental-network policies

Belarus at a glance
IDPStrongly recommended for non-EU / non-Latin licences
Accepted format1968 Vienna
Minimum age to rent18+ (surcharge under 25)
Drive on theRight-hand side
Carry alongsideYour national licence + passport
CurrencyBYN
Top speed limit110 km/h motorways
Emergency number112 or 102
Driving in Belarus with a foreign licence
Driving in Belarus

What the rules require

When do you need an IDP in Belarus?

Belarus drives on the right under the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is expected because domestic licences and road signs use Cyrillic.

Does renting a car in Belarus require an IDP?

Rental desks ask for an IDP for any non-Cyrillic licence. Having your permit ready avoids losing your reservation at the counter.

Driving rules in Belarus you should know

  • Drive on the right.
  • Zero-tolerance alcohol policy (0.0%).
  • Headlights on outside built-up areas.
  • Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

How long is an IDP valid in Belarus?

Belarus uses the 1968 Vienna Convention format, under which an IDP can be valid for up to 3 years — or until your national licence expires, whichever comes first. If you travel regularly, the validity clock starts on the issue date, not on first use — so order close to your departure to maximise usable time.

Documents checklist for driving in Belarus

  • Your original national driving licence — the IDP is a translation and is never valid on its own.
  • Your International Driving Permit, in the 1968 Vienna Convention format Belarus uses.
  • Your passport or accepted national ID for police checks and rental pick-up.
  • For rentals: the credit card used for the booking and your rental agreement (it covers the registration and insurance papers).
  • Local currency or a card for road costs — Belarus uses the BYN.

Driving in Belarus: the practical detail

Sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that actually catch foreign drivers out.

Driving on a foreign licence

Belarus accepts foreign national licences for short visits, but because it is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention an International Driving Permit accompanying your home licence is strongly recommended and is required by virtually all rental agencies; licences not in Cyrillic/Latin script effectively call for an IDP.

Tolls & road charges

Belarus runs the BelToll electronic system on major highways (including the M1 to/from the Polish border); cars over 3.5t and most foreign cars must fit an on-board unit obtained with a deposit at border points and BelToll stations, paying per kilometre.

Parking in the cities

Central Minsk has paid parking zones marked by signs, payable by SMS, the parking app or terminals; many hotels and malls offer lots. Unpaid or illegal parking risks fines and, near government buildings, towing.

Winter & seasonal rules

Winter tyres are required in the cold season (broadly December through February, and whenever roads are snow- or ice-covered); studded or M+S marked tyres with adequate tread are expected during winter months.

Fuel & filling up

Unleaded petrol (typically A-92, A-95, A-98) and diesel are widely sold by Belorusneft and Lukoil; stations are usually attendant-assisted (pay the cashier first), fuel is cheap by EU standards, and rural cards may be refused so carry cash (Belarusian rubles).

If you have an accident

Call 102 for police and 103 for ambulance (or 112). You must not move the vehicles and must wait for the traffic police (GAI) to attend and document the scene; a police report is effectively mandatory for any insurance or rental claim.

Driving in the capital

In Minsk the wide central Independence Avenue and its underpasses move fast, stopping or standing on main avenues is tightly enforced, and foreigners are frequently stopped for routine document checks so keep IDP, passport and insurance to hand.

Fines & enforcement

Traffic police can levy on-the-spot fines that are often higher than visitors expect, covering speeding, no seatbelt and phone use; pay against an official receipt only, and note enforcement is strict with frequent roadside checks.

A drive worth taking

The drive through Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park (the ancient primeval forest on the Polish border) is the country's signature scenic route.

Sources: rac.co.uk · belarus.by · internationaldriversassociation.com · tyremap.com

Belarus · common questions

01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Belarus?
Yes — an International Driving Permit is commonly required for foreign drivers in Belarus, and it is especially expected when your national licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet. Carry it alongside your valid national licence, which most rental agreements and traffic checkpoints ask to see. Belarus drives on the right under the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is expected because domestic licences and road signs use Cyrillic. Your IDP is prepared in the 1968 Vienna Convention format that Belarus recognises. Without one you risk being denied car rental, facing fines, or having your rental insurance invalidated.
02
Which IDP format does Belarus accept, and how long is it valid?
Belarus uses the 1968 Vienna Convention format, under which an IDP can be valid for up to 3 years — or until your national licence expires, whichever comes first. The format matters because some countries are signatories to only one convention, meaning an IDP in the wrong format may not be recognized. International Driver Licence prepares your permit in the exact booklet format that Belarus requires, eliminating any ambiguity at rental desks or police checks. Remember that the validity period begins on the issue date, not when you first arrive in the country — this is critical for trip planning, especially if you're traveling across multiple countries over several weeks. Plan your order timing carefully to ensure your permit remains valid throughout your intended driving period in Belarus.
03
Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Belarus?
Yes, an IDP is highly recommended when renting a car in Belarus. Rental desks ask for an IDP for any non-Cyrillic licence. Most major rental chains — including Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, Sixt and Alamo — list a valid International Driving Permit as a standard counter requirement for foreign licences, especially those not printed in English. The minimum rental age in Belarus is typically 18+, and most agencies apply a young-driver surcharge for drivers under 25. Arriving without your IDP can result in a refused booking, a held security deposit, or being forced to pay inflated rates for a last-minute local driver upgrade. Always bring your IDP, your original national licence, your passport and the credit card used for the booking — having all documents ready significantly reduces friction at pick-up.
04
Which side of the road does Belarus drive on?
Belarus drives on the right-hand side of the road. Drive on the right. This is one of the most crucial adjustments for international drivers — muscle memory from your home country can lead to serious errors if you're suddenly on the opposite side. Pay special attention when turning left or right, overtaking, and using roundabouts, as these manoeuvres feel unintuitive when reversed. Rental companies often include brief driving-side orientation tips in their contract, but it's worth spending the first 10–15 minutes on quiet roads to acclimatize. Many foreign drivers who cause accidents in Belarus do so within the first few hours due to this disorientation, so allow extra time and heightened alertness until the adjustment becomes automatic.
05
What is the drink-driving limit in Belarus?
Zero-tolerance alcohol policy (0.0%). Penalties for exceeding the limit as a foreign driver in Belarus are severe and enforced rigorously. On-the-spot fines commonly reach several hundred euros or the local equivalent, and vehicle impoundment can occur immediately — your rental insurance is often invalidated if you test positive, leaving you personally liable for tow and storage costs. Some countries impose driving bans that extend into subsequent years, complicating future visits. Police in Belarus conduct random breath tests at checkpoints and after minor incidents, so even a single drink significantly raises your risk. The safest rule is simple: do not drive after consuming any alcohol. Use taxis, ride-shares, or designated-driver services instead; the cost is trivial compared to fines, insurance claims and legal troubles.
06
What is the speed limit in Belarus?
The maximum for cars on the fastest road class in Belarus is 110 km/h motorways. However, limits drop significantly in built-up areas, residential zones and on secondary roads — always observe posted signs as they take absolute precedence over general limits. Speed enforcement in Belarus relies on fixed cameras, mobile radar units and plainclothes patrols that target foreign drivers, and fines are often steep. Critically, fines charged to foreign drivers typically arrive weeks later through your rental company as an administrative fee, sometimes inflated with handling charges, so you may not realize you were caught speeding until after your trip ends. Modern rental cars often display speed limits automatically on the dashboard — reference this feature continuously. Exceeding the limit by just 10–20 km/h can trigger automatic fines, so maintain consistent compliance and allow extra time for your journey.
07
What is the emergency number in Belarus?
Dial 112 or 102 in Belarus for police, fire or medical emergencies. From any GSM mobile phone, 112 also connects to local emergency services in most countries even without a local SIM card or active service plan. After an accident, remain at the scene and secure it immediately — place your warning triangle at least 50 metres behind your vehicle (30 metres on motorways). Turn on hazard lights and move yourself and passengers to a safe location away from traffic. Notify your rental company without delay before attempting any repairs; most rental agreements require this, and proceeding otherwise may void insurance coverage. Exchange contact and insurance details with other parties involved, take photos of the damage, and request a police report if injuries occurred or if the accident is disputed. Do not admit liability or sign documents you don't understand; let your rental company's local legal team handle communications.
08
What documents should I carry while driving in Belarus?
Always carry your original national driving licence, your International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format, and your passport or national ID card (police may request ID during routine checks). For rental vehicles, bring the rental agreement itself, as it functions as proof of insurance and authorization — keep it easily accessible. Belarus uses the BYN, so carry local currency or a credit card; many rural petrol stations and toll booths still accept cash only. Some drivers also carry a second colour photocopy of their licence and IDP, stored separately from the originals in case of loss. Do not be tempted to drive without these documents — police in Belarus conduct random document checks, especially at borders and motorway rest areas, and fines for missing documentation can be substantial. Present your original licence together with the IDP — showing only the IDP will result in a citation. Keep all documents in a small travel organizer within arm's reach, not in the boot.
09
Is an IDP the same as a driver's licence in Belarus?
No — an IDP is fundamentally different from a driver's licence. It is a certified multilingual translation of your existing national licence prepared in the United Nations convention format (either 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna). An IDP does not grant any driving privileges by itself and holds no legal validity unless presented together with your original, valid national licence. Think of it as a document that helps local authorities, police, and rental staff understand your credentials when your home licence is difficult to verify. Some countries, including the United States, issue official government IDPs only through authorized bodies such as AAA and AATA. International Driver Licence is a reputable certified service provider, but its translation is not a substitute for a government-issued IDP where one is legally required in your home country. If you're unsure whether a government IDP is mandatory before departure, check your national motor authority's website before ordering a translation service IDP.
10
How long does it take to get an IDP for Belarus?
With International Driver Licence, you receive your digital IDP by email in as fast as 8 minutes after your application is approved — this makes it possible to order even while you're at the airport or at the rental counter. Your permit arrives as a printable 16-page convention-format PDF booklet in the exact format that Belarus recognizes, plus a wallet-sized card that includes a QR code for instant online verification by authorities or rental staff. This digital-first approach eliminates the delays of traditional postal mail and gives you instant access to your documents on your smartphone, making it practical for last-minute trips or as a backup if you misplace a printed copy. Print the PDF on standard white paper — no special materials are required. The entire permit package fits standard wallets, and having a digital backup on your phone ensures you're never caught without proof of your credentials, even if your documents are lost or damaged during travel.
Rental requirements in Belarus
HertzEnterpriseAlamoBudgetNationalThriftySixt
100% money-back guarantee
Full refund if your permit is ever declined.
Unlimited replacements
Lost or damaged? Re-download or reprint, free.
24/7 support
Help before and during your trip, any hour.
Excellent
reviews Not usable? You don't payGet my permit · $49