UK licence Egypt

Driving in Egypt with a UK license

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

Bring an IDP

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

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

At the rental deskRequested at rental desks; many visitors hire a driver.

CarryCarry BOTH your UK 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 Egypt Full Egypt guide

UK drivers should carry an International Driving Permit with their licence; some countries recognise the 1949 version and others the 1968 version. 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 Egypt

Dense, assertive urban traffic.
Headlights used sparingly at night by locals — drive defensively.
Checkpoints common between cities.
Carry passport, licence and IDP.

Common questions

Can I drive in Egypt with a UK license?

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

Is my UK driver's license valid in Egypt?

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

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Egypt?

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

Can I rent a car in Egypt with a UK license?

Requested at rental desks; many visitors hire a driver.

What IDP format does Egypt accept?

Egypt 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 Egypt?

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

Do I still carry my UK license?

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