Japan licence Colombia

Driving in Colombia with a Japan license

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

Bring an IDP

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

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

At the rental deskRequested by major desks; pico y placa plate restrictions apply in cities.

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: 1968 Vienna Convention

Get my IDP for Colombia Full Colombia 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 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Colombia

Pico y placa restricts driving by plate number on set days.
0.02% alcohol limit, strictly enforced.
Headlights on outside urban areas.
Toll roads (peajes) are common.

Common questions

Can I drive in Colombia with a Japan license?

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

Is my Japan driver's license valid in Colombia?

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

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Colombia?

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

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

Requested by major desks; pico y placa plate restrictions apply in cities.

What IDP format does Colombia accept?

Colombia 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 Colombia?

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 1968 Vienna format Colombia 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.