Japan licence Belgium

Driving in Belgium with a Japan license

Short answer: to drive in Belgium with a Japan license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your Japan license.

Bring an IDP

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

Convention basisBelgium uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

At the rental deskBrussels desks request an IDP for licences issued outside the EU/EEA.

CarryCarry BOTH your Japan 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: Geneva 1949 / Vienna 1968

Get my IDP for Belgium Full Belgium guide

Japanese drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (1949 Convention) with their licence when driving abroad. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Belgium

Priority to the right at unmarked junctions.
Reflective vest and warning triangle required.
0.05% alcohol limit.
Low-emission zones in Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent.

Common questions

Can I drive in Belgium with a Japan license?

to drive in Belgium with a Japan license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your Japan license. Belgium uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

Is my Japan driver's license valid in Belgium?

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

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Belgium?

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

Can I rent a car in Belgium with a Japan license?

Brussels desks request an IDP for licences issued outside the EU/EEA.

What IDP format does Belgium accept?

Belgium uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

How do I get an International Driving Permit for Belgium?

An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing Japan license. You apply online, and it is issued as a printable PDF booklet with a QR-verifiable ID card in the 1949 Geneva / 1968 Vienna format Belgium uses — carried alongside your Japan license.

Do I still carry my Japan license?

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