UAE licence Iceland

Driving in Iceland with a UAE license

Short answer: you can drive in Iceland 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 Iceland. Your UAE licence is in the Roman alphabet, but an IDP removes any doubt at rental desks and roadside checks. Carry both.

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

At the rental deskF-road (highland) driving requires a 4x4 and specific insurance.

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 age17+ 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 Iceland Full Iceland 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 Iceland

Headlights on 24/7 by law.
Off-road driving is illegal and heavily fined.
0.05% alcohol limit.
Gravel and single-lane bridges common on Route 1.

Common questions

Can I drive in Iceland with a UAE license?

you can drive in Iceland with a UAE license; an International Driving Permit is recommended and is carried alongside your UAE license. Iceland 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 Iceland?

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Iceland?

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

F-road (highland) driving requires a 4x4 and specific insurance.

What IDP format does Iceland accept?

Iceland 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 Iceland?

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 Iceland 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.