UK licence Hong Kong

Driving in Hong Kong with a UK license

Short answer: to drive in Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong on a UK licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your UK licence. Hong Kong expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

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

At the rental deskSelf-drive rental is limited; an IDP is expected where available.

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 Hong Kong Full Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong

Drive on the left.
Seatbelts mandatory front and rear.
0.05% alcohol limit.
Tunnels and bridges carry tolls.

Common questions

Can I drive in Hong Kong with a UK license?

to drive in Hong Kong with a UK license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your UK license. Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong?

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

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Hong Kong?

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

Can I rent a car in Hong Kong with a UK license?

Self-drive rental is limited; an IDP is expected where available.

What IDP format does Hong Kong accept?

Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong?

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 Hong Kong 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.