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

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

Short answer
Yes — Greece 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. Rental companies and local authorities in Greece commonly ask non-EU drivers to carry an IDP alongside their national licence. It is prepared in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format that Greece 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. Greece 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 Greece 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

Greece at a glance
IDPStrongly recommended for non-EU / non-Latin licences
Accepted format1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna
Minimum age to rent18+ (surcharge under 25)
Drive on theRight-hand side
Carry alongsideYour national licence + passport
CurrencyEUR
Top speed limit130 km/h motorways
Emergency number112
Driving in Greece with a foreign licence
Driving in Greece

What the rules require

When do you need an IDP in Greece?

Rental companies and local authorities in Greece commonly ask non-EU drivers to carry an IDP alongside their national licence.

Does renting a car in Greece require an IDP?

Island and mainland rental desks consistently ask for the IDP. Having your permit ready avoids losing your reservation at the counter.

Driving rules in Greece you should know

  • Carry a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and warning triangle.
  • Seatbelts and motorcycle helmets are mandatory.
  • 0.05% alcohol limit.
  • Tolls on national highways (Attiki Odos, etc.).

How long is an IDP valid in Greece?

Greece honours both the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention formats. A 1949-format IDP is valid for up to 1 year; a 1968-format IDP can be valid for up to 3 years, or until your national licence expires. 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 Greece

  • Your original national driving licence — the IDP is a translation and is never valid on its own.
  • Your International Driving Permit, in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format Greece 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 — Greece uses the EUR.

Driving in Greece: 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

EU/EEA licences are valid without limit. Holders of non-EU licences (including US, Canadian, Australian) may legally drive for up to 185 days (6 months), but most rental firms still insist on an International Driving Permit alongside the home licence, and driving without one can void cover and expose you to a EUR 1,000 fine.

Tolls & road charges

Major motorways (Attiki Odos, the A1, the Olympia Odos and others) use staffed cash/card toll plazas charging fixed per-section amounts of roughly EUR 1.50-3; there is no national vignette, and Crete has no toll roads at all. An optional e-pass transponder exists but tourists normally just pay at the booth.

Parking in the cities

City-centre parking in Athens and Thessaloniki is controlled-zone paid parking (white/blue marked bays) paid via app or kiosk ticket, and is genuinely scarce. White-and-yellow kerbs and resident-only zones are off-limits and towing/clamping is common, so a guarded public garage is the safer choice.

Winter & seasonal rules

Anti-skid chains (or equivalent) are obligatory to carry from 1 October to 30 April and must be fitted when authorities signal snow/ice conditions; non-compliance carries an EUR 80 fine. With chains fitted the speed limit is 50 km/h.

Fuel & filling up

Stations sell amolivdi (unleaded 95/100) and diesel (petreleo kinisis); almost all are full-service with an attendant, and cards are widely accepted though small rural stations may be cash-only. Petrol runs around EUR 1.85-2.00 per litre in 2026.

If you have an accident

Call 112 for emergencies; for any injury or dispute you must wait for and obtain a police report, which insurers and rental firms require. Vehicles should not be moved until documented if there is injury, and both driver and rental company can each be fined EUR 1,000 if the driver lacked a required IDP.

Driving in the capital

Athens runs a long-standing central-ring 'daktylios' restriction that bars private cars by odd/even number plate on alternating days within the inner ring during weekday hours; foreign-plated and many rental vehicles can be affected, so check before entering the centre.

Fines & enforcement

Under the September 2025 Traffic Code fines are steep and digital: exceeding the limit by even up to 20 km/h is EUR 150, and handheld phone use and no-seatbelt each draw large fines with possible licence-point penalties. Camera and digital violations are increasingly forwarded to rental firms and billed to your card.

A drive worth taking

The drive through the Vikos Gorge and Zagori stone-bridge villages in the Pindus mountains of Epirus is among the most spectacular in the country.

Sources: acerentacar.gr · keeptalkinggreece.com · autoeurope.com · keeptalkinggreece.com

Greece · common questions

01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Greece?
Yes — an International Driving Permit is commonly required for foreign drivers in Greece, 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. Rental companies and local authorities in Greece commonly ask non-EU drivers to carry an IDP alongside their national licence. Your IDP is prepared in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format that Greece recognises. Without one you risk being denied car rental, facing fines, or having your rental insurance invalidated.
02
Which IDP format does Greece accept, and how long is it valid?
Greece honours both the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention formats. A 1949-format IDP is valid for up to 1 year; a 1968-format IDP can be valid for up to 3 years, or until your national licence expires. 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 Greece 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 Greece.
03
Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Greece?
Yes, an IDP is highly recommended when renting a car in Greece. Island and mainland rental desks consistently ask for the IDP. 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 Greece 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 Greece drive on?
Greece drives on the right-hand side of the road. Carry a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and warning triangle. 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 Greece 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 Greece?
0.05% alcohol limit. Penalties for exceeding the limit as a foreign driver in Greece 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 Greece 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 Greece?
The maximum for cars on the fastest road class in Greece is 130 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 Greece 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 Greece?
Dial 112 in Greece 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 Greece?
Always carry your original national driving licence, your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 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. Greece uses the EUR, 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 Greece 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 Greece?
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 Greece?
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 Greece 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.
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