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Japan licence Greece

Driving in Greece with a Japan license

IDP Required

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

Convention basisGreece recognises the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. We issue the permit in that exact format.

At the rental deskIsland and mainland rental desks consistently ask for the IDP.

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 Greece Full Greece guide

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

Driving rules in Greece

Carry a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and warning triangle.
Seatbelts and motorcycle helmets are mandatory.
0.05% alcohol limit.
Tolls on national highways (Attiki Odos, etc.).

Common questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Greece with a Japan license?

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

What IDP format does Greece accept?

Greece recognises the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. We issue the permit in that exact format.

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.