Country requirements · North Korea
Do you need an International Driving Permit to drive in North Korea?
Short answer
An International Driving Permit is recommended for North Korea and required if your national licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet. North Korea drives on the right, but independent driving by tourists is not permitted; all travel is on guided, state-arranged transport. North Korea follows the Local rules standard, so your permit must be issued in that format. 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. North Korea drives on the right and the minimum rental age is typically 18+, with a young-driver surcharge usually applied under 25. Carry your IDP together with your original national licence and passport at all times — the permit is a certified translation and never replaces your licence.
Sourced from the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna Conventions and rental-network policies
North Korea at a glance
IDP requiredRecommended
Accepted formatLocal rules
Minimum age to rent18+ (surcharge under 25)
Drive on theRight-hand side
Carry alongsideYour national licence + passport
CurrencyKPW
Top speed limitRestricted — foreign self-drive not permitted
Emergency number119
Driving in North Korea
What the rules require
When do you need an IDP in North Korea?
North Korea drives on the right, but independent driving by tourists is not permitted; all travel is on guided, state-arranged transport. The permit is a recognised translation of your licence and is presented together with the original.
Does renting a car in North Korea require an IDP?
No tourist car rental exists; transport is state-controlled. Having your permit ready avoids losing your reservation at the counter.
Driving rules in North Korea you should know
- Drive on the right (not applicable to tourists).
- Independent driving is prohibited.
- All movement is guided.
- Roads outside Pyongyang are sparse.
How long is an IDP valid in North Korea?
North Korea 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 North Korea
- Your original national driving licence — the IDP is a translation and is never valid on its own.
- Your International Driving Permit, in the Local rules format North Korea recognises.
- 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 — North Korea uses the KPW.
North Korea · common questions
01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in North Korea?
Visitors can usually drive in North Korea on a valid foreign licence, but an IDP is required if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet and is recommended for car rental. North Korea drives on the right, but independent driving by tourists is not permitted; all travel is on guided, state-arranged transport.
02
Which IDP format does North Korea accept, and how long is it valid?
North Korea 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. Your document is prepared in exactly that convention booklet format.
03
Do I need an IDP to rent a car in North Korea?
No tourist car rental exists; transport is state-controlled. The minimum rental age in North Korea is typically 18+, and most agencies apply a young-driver surcharge under 25. Bring your IDP, your original national licence, your passport and the credit card used for the booking.
04
Which side of the road does North Korea drive on?
North Korea drives on the right-hand side of the road. Drive on the right (not applicable to tourists).
05
What is the speed limit in North Korea?
The maximum for cars on the fastest road class in North Korea is restricted — foreign self-drive not permitted. Limits drop in built-up areas and on secondary roads, and posted signs always take precedence — speed enforcement against foreign drivers commonly arrives as a fine charged through your rental company.
06
What is the emergency number in North Korea?
Dial 119 in North Korea. From any GSM mobile phone, 112 also connects to local emergency services in most countries even without a local SIM. After an accident, stay at the scene, secure it (use your warning triangle where required) and notify your rental company before any repairs.
07
What documents should I carry while driving in North Korea?
Carry your original national driving licence, your International Driving Permit, your passport (or national ID where accepted), and the vehicle's registration and insurance papers (your rental agreement covers these for hire cars). The IDP is a translation of your licence and is never valid on its own.
08
Is an IDP the same as a driver's licence in North Korea?
No. An IDP is an official multilingual translation of your existing licence in the United Nations convention format — it does not grant driving privileges by itself and must always be presented together with your valid national licence. Note that some countries issue official government IDPs only through authorized bodies (in the US, AAA and AATA).
09
How long does it take to get an IDP for North Korea?
With International Driver Licence you receive your digital IDP by email in as fast as 8 minutes — a printable 16-page convention-format PDF booklet plus a QR-verifiable wallet card you can keep on your phone. That makes it practical even if you're already at the airport or the rental counter.
Driving from North Korea to neighbouring countries
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