Japan licence Kuwait

Driving in Kuwait with a Japan license

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

Bring an IDP

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

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

At the rental deskKuwait City desks request an IDP for most non-GCC licences.

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: 1968 Vienna Convention

Get my IDP for Kuwait Full Kuwait guide

Japanese drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (1949 Convention) with their licence when driving abroad. 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 Kuwait

Drive on the right.
Zero alcohol — it is prohibited.
Extensive speed cameras.
Seatbelts mandatory.

Common questions

Can I drive in Kuwait with a Japan license?

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

Is my Japan driver's license valid in Kuwait?

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

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Kuwait?

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

Can I rent a car in Kuwait with a Japan license?

Kuwait City desks request an IDP for most non-GCC licences.

What IDP format does Kuwait accept?

Kuwait 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 Kuwait?

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

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.