Ireland licence Bahrain

Driving in Bahrain with a Ireland license

Short answer: to drive in Bahrain with a Ireland license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your Ireland license.

Bring an IDP

Yes — to drive in Bahrain on an Ireland licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Ireland licence. Bahrain expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Convention basisBahrain uses the format of the 1968 Vienna Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

At the rental deskManama desks request an IDP for most non-GCC licences.

CarryCarry BOTH your Ireland national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.

Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25

Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)

FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits

Last verified June 2026Source: 1968 Vienna Convention

Get my IDP for Bahrain Full Bahrain guide

Irish drivers should carry an International Driving Permit with their licence when driving outside the EU and EEA. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Bahrain

Zero-tolerance alcohol law while driving.
Speed cameras widespread.
Seatbelts mandatory front and rear.
Phone use while driving heavily fined.

Common questions

Can I drive in Bahrain with a Ireland license?

to drive in Bahrain with a Ireland license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your Ireland license. Bahrain uses the format of the 1968 Vienna Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

Is my Ireland driver's license valid in Bahrain?

Yes — to drive in Bahrain on an Ireland licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Ireland licence. Bahrain expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Bahrain?

Yes — to drive in Bahrain on an Ireland licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Ireland licence. Bahrain expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Can I rent a car in Bahrain with a Ireland license?

Manama desks request an IDP for most non-GCC licences.

What IDP format does Bahrain accept?

Bahrain uses the format of the 1968 Vienna Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

How do I get an International Driving Permit for Bahrain?

An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing Ireland license. You apply online, and it is issued as a printable PDF booklet with a QR-verifiable ID card in the 1968 Vienna format Bahrain uses — carried alongside your Ireland license.

Do I still carry my Ireland license?

Carry BOTH your Ireland national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.