UAE licence Cyprus

Driving in Cyprus with a UAE license

Short answer: you can drive in Cyprus with a UAE license; an International Driving Permit is recommended and is carried alongside your UAE license.

IDP recommended

An International Driving Permit is recommended (not strictly required) for UAE licence holders driving in Cyprus. Your UAE licence is in the Roman alphabet, but an IDP removes any doubt at rental desks and roadside checks. Carry both.

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

At the rental deskRental cars carry red 'Z' plates; an IDP helps non-EU drivers.

CarryCarry BOTH your UAE 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 2026Convention: Both

Get my IDP for Cyprus Full Cyprus guide

UAE 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 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Cyprus

Drive on the left.
Seatbelts mandatory; no phone use while driving.
0.05% alcohol limit; 0.02% for new drivers.
Speed limits in km/h.

Common questions

Can I drive in Cyprus with a UAE license?

you can drive in Cyprus with a UAE license; an International Driving Permit is recommended and is carried alongside your UAE license. Cyprus uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

Is my UAE driver's license valid in Cyprus?

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Cyprus?

Can I rent a car in Cyprus with a UAE license?

Rental cars carry red 'Z' plates; an IDP helps non-EU drivers.

What IDP format does Cyprus accept?

Cyprus 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 Cyprus?

An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing UAE 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 Cyprus uses — carried alongside your UAE license.

Do I still carry my UAE license?

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