UK licence Kuwait

Driving in Kuwait with a UK license

Short answer: to drive in Kuwait 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 Kuwait on a UK licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your UK 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 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 Kuwait Full Kuwait 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 Kuwait

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

Common questions

Can I drive in Kuwait with a UK license?

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

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

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Kuwait?

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

Can I rent a car in Kuwait with a UK 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 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 Kuwait 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.