NZ licence Bahrain

Driving in Bahrain with a NZ license

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

Bring an IDP

Yes — to drive in Bahrain on an NZ licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your NZ 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 NZ 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

New Zealand drivers should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their licence when driving abroad. 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 NZ license?

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

Is my NZ driver's license valid in Bahrain?

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

Can I rent a car in Bahrain with a NZ 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 NZ 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 NZ license.

Do I still carry my NZ license?

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