Country requirements · Vietnam

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

Short answer

Yes — Vietnam 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. Vietnam drives on the right and now accepts the 1968 Vienna IDP; tourists should carry one with their national licence. It is prepared in the 1968 Vienna Convention format that Vietnam 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. Vietnam 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 Vietnam 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

Vietnam 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

CurrencyVND

Top speed limit120 km/h expressways

Emergency number113 (police), 115 (ambulance)

Driving in Vietnam

What the rules require

When do you need an IDP in Vietnam?

Vietnam drives on the right and now accepts the 1968 Vienna IDP; tourists should carry one with their national licence.

Does renting a car in Vietnam require an IDP?

Desks request a 1968 Vienna IDP; older 1949 permits are not accepted. Having your permit ready avoids losing your reservation at the counter.

Driving rules in Vietnam you should know

Drive on the right amid dense scooter traffic.
Helmets mandatory for all motorbike riders.
0.0% alcohol tolerance.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

How long is an IDP valid in Vietnam?

Vietnam 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 Vietnam

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 Vietnam 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 — Vietnam uses the VND.

Driving in Vietnam: 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

Vietnam only accepts International Driving Permits issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention; the 1949 Geneva IDP used by the US, Canada and Australia is NOT valid, so most Western tourists are technically unlicensed unless they hold a 1968 IDP plus their home licence. A 1968 IDP lets a tourist drive for up to 3 years (or until the home licence expires); stays of 3+ months require converting to a local Vietnamese licence.

Tolls & road charges

Expressways use BOT toll stations; cars pay roughly VND 150,000-200,000 (about USD 6-8) per 100km, and the three e-tag providers (VETC, ePass, VietMap) are now interoperable nationwide, though many booths still take cash. A rental car should ideally have an e-tag fitted, as some expressway lanes are becoming barrier-free electronic-only.

Parking in the cities

In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City use guarded paid lots (gui xe) at hotels, malls and street attendants who issue a ticket for a small fee; do not leave a car unattended on the street. Pavement and red-curb parking is routinely ticketed or clamped in the central districts.

Winter & seasonal rules

No winter-tyre rules - tropical climate; the only seasonal hazard is heavy flooding and landslides during the May-October rainy season, especially in the northern mountains.

Fuel & filling up

Stations sell RON 95 and RON 92/E5 petrol plus diesel (dau); a litre of RON 95 ran around VND 30,000-33,000 (about USD 1.20-1.35) in early 2026. Filling is attendant-served (you stay in the car/on the bike), large Petrolimex and PVOil stations take cards but small rural pumps are cash-only.

If you have an accident

Stop immediately, do not move the vehicles, and call police on 113 (ambulance 115); leaving the scene of an injury crash is a serious offence. Wait for police to produce a report for your insurer/rental firm, and expect to be detained until fault is settled, especially in injury cases.

Driving in the capital

Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are dominated by dense swarms of motorbikes that flow continuously and weave through gaps, so junctions rarely clear fully; cross and turn slowly and predictably and let bikes flow around you rather than stopping abruptly.

Fines & enforcement

2025-2026 reforms raised fines sharply: phone use while driving is now VND 4-6 million, and extreme/reckless driving can reach VND 50 million (about USD 1,900); alcohol limit is effectively zero. Police can fine on the spot, and rental firms pass camera (phat nguoi) fines back to the renter's card.

A drive worth taking

The Ha Giang Loop, a roughly 350km mountain circuit through the Dong Van Karst Plateau geopark near the China border, is Vietnam's most famous overland drive.

Sources: gov.uk · tollguru.com · globalpetrolprices.com · en.baochinhphu.vn

Vietnam · common questions

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

Yes — an International Driving Permit is commonly required for foreign drivers in Vietnam, 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. Vietnam drives on the right and now accepts the 1968 Vienna IDP; tourists should carry one with their national licence. Your IDP is prepared in the 1968 Vienna Convention format that Vietnam recognises. Without one you risk being denied car rental, facing fines, or having your rental insurance invalidated.

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

Vietnam 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 Vietnam 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 Vietnam.

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

Yes, an IDP is highly recommended when renting a car in Vietnam. Desks request a 1968 Vienna IDP; older 1949 permits are not accepted. 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 Vietnam 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 Vietnam drive on?

Vietnam drives on the right-hand side of the road. Drive on the right amid dense scooter traffic. 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 Vietnam 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 Vietnam?

0.0% alcohol tolerance. Penalties for exceeding the limit as a foreign driver in Vietnam 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 Vietnam 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 Vietnam?

The maximum for cars on the fastest road class in Vietnam is 120 km/h expressways. 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 Vietnam 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 Vietnam?

Dial 113 (police), 115 (ambulance) in Vietnam 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 Vietnam?

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. Vietnam uses the VND, 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 Vietnam 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 Vietnam?

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 Vietnam?

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 Vietnam 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 Vietnam

Hertz Enterprise Alamo Budget National Thrifty Sixt

Driving from Vietnam to neighbouring countries

Vietnam → China Vietnam → Laos Vietnam → Cambodia

Driving in Vietnam on a foreign licence

With a US licence With a UK licence With a Canada licence With a Australia licence With a Ireland licence With a NZ licence With a India licence With a South Africa licence With a Germany licence With a France licence

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