Country requirements · Portugal

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

Short answer

Yes — Portugal 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. Non-EU visitors should carry an IDP to drive and rent in Portugal. It is prepared in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format that Portugal 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. Portugal 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 Portugal See all countries

Written by Daniel Mercer

Reviewed by Sofia LindqvistUpdated July 2026

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

Portugal 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 limit120 km/h motorways

Emergency number112

Driving in Portugal

What the rules require

When do you need an IDP in Portugal?

Non-EU visitors should carry an IDP to drive and rent in Portugal.

Does renting a car in Portugal require an IDP?

Requested for licences issued outside the EU/EEA. Having your permit ready avoids losing your reservation at the counter.

Driving rules in Portugal you should know

Electronic tolls (Via Verde) — arrange with your rental car.
Reflective vest and triangle required.
0.05% alcohol limit; 0.02% for new drivers.
Dipped headlights in tunnels.

How long is an IDP valid in Portugal?

Portugal 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 Portugal

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 Portugal 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 — Portugal uses the EUR.

Driving in Portugal: 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 for the licence's lifetime. Non-EU visitors may drive on a valid home licence (with an IDP recommended, and required if the licence is not in a Roman alphabet) for the duration of a tourist stay; an IDP is strongly advised to avoid rental and police complications.

Tolls & road charges

Portugal mixes staffed toll plazas with fully electronic 'ex-SCUT' motorways that have no booths and read your plate via Via Verde. Rental cars carry a Via Verde transponder (about EUR 1-2/day plus tolls billed to your card); independent drivers can use EASYToll, registering a card to the plate at a border/airport kiosk for EUR 1 setup plus per-transit charges.

Parking in the cities

In Lisbon paid zones are run by EMEL (pay by machine or app), and Porto and other cities have similar metered zones; bays are scarce and illegal-parking fines reach about EUR 300. Peripheral park-and-ride plus public transport into the centre is the practical option.

Winter & seasonal rules

Winter tyres and chains are not mandatory; tyres only need the 1.6mm legal minimum tread. Snow is confined to the Serra da Estrela highlands, where chains may occasionally be needed in winter.

Fuel & filling up

Stations sell gasolina (unleaded 95/98) and gasoleo (diesel), mostly self-service paid at the till, with cards widely accepted; main chains are Galp, Repsol, BP and Cepsa. In 2026 petrol averages around EUR 1.65 and diesel around EUR 1.55 per litre, dearer on motorways.

If you have an accident

Call 112 for emergencies (the GNR or PSP handle road policing). For a minor crash, complete the European Accident Statement (Declaracao Amigavel) jointly with the other driver; call police if there is injury, a dispute, or a driver without documents, and do not move vehicles before documenting an injury crash.

Driving in the capital

Lisbon's steep, narrow tram-lined streets and the Baixa/Chiado area are heavily restricted and hard to drive; the city also operates a low-emission ZER zone in the historic centre limiting older vehicles. Trams always have priority and many lanes are tram/bus only.

Fines & enforcement

Speeding fines start around EUR 60 and rise sharply, and police can demand on-the-spot payment from non-residents (a deposit) for offences such as speeding, phone use or no seatbelt before allowing you to continue. Camera fines to foreign drivers are passed on by rental firms with an admin fee.

A drive worth taking

The N222 along the Douro valley from Peso da Regua to Pinhao, repeatedly rated one of the world's best driving roads, winds through terraced vineyards above the river.

Sources: hertz.pt · carjet.com · estatefy.com · guerin.pt

Portugal · common questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Portugal?

Yes — an International Driving Permit is commonly required for foreign drivers in Portugal, 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. Non-EU visitors should carry an IDP to drive and rent in Portugal. Your IDP is prepared in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format that Portugal recognises. Without one you risk being denied car rental, facing fines, or having your rental insurance invalidated.

Which IDP format does Portugal accept, and how long is it valid?

Portugal 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 Portugal 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 Portugal.

Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Portugal?

Yes, an IDP is highly recommended when renting a car in Portugal. Requested for licences issued outside the EU/EEA. 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 Portugal 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.

Which side of the road does Portugal drive on?

Portugal drives on the right-hand side of the road. Electronic tolls (Via Verde) — arrange with your rental car. 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 Portugal do so within the first few hours due to this disorientation, so allow extra time and heightened alertness until the adjustment becomes automatic.

What is the drink-driving limit in Portugal?

0.05% alcohol limit; 0.02% for new drivers. Penalties for exceeding the limit as a foreign driver in Portugal 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 Portugal 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.

What is the speed limit in Portugal?

The maximum for cars on the fastest road class in Portugal is 120 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 Portugal 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.

What is the emergency number in Portugal?

Dial 112 in Portugal 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.

What documents should I carry while driving in Portugal?

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. Portugal 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 Portugal 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.

Is an IDP the same as a driver's licence in Portugal?

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.

How long does it take to get an IDP for Portugal?

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 Portugal 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.

What rental desks in Portugal ask foreign drivers for

Car-rental IDP policy · Portugal
Rental company	Policy for foreign licences in Portugal
Hertz	Asks foreign drivers for a licence translation when the licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet, and often for non-EU renters in much of Europe.
Enterprise	Asks for a licence translation alongside your home licence in many countries across Europe, Asia and South America.
Alamo	Asks for a licence translation when the licence is in a non-Latin alphabet, and suggests one for all international renters.
Budget	Asks for a licence translation when your licence is not in the Roman alphabet.
National	Asks for a licence translation for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local rules call for one.
Thrifty	Asks for a licence translation in select countries and for non-Roman-alphabet licences.
Sixt	Asks for a licence translation for licences issued outside the EU and not in the Roman alphabet.
Avis	Asks for a licence translation where the national licence is not in the Roman alphabet or where local rules call for one.

Requested for licences issued outside the EU/EEA. Minimum rental age in Portugal is typically 18+, with a young-driver surcharge usually applied under 25.

Hertz Enterprise Alamo Budget National Thrifty Sixt

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Driving from Portugal to neighbouring countries

Portugal → Spain

Driving in Portugal on a foreign licence

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