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India licence Nepal

Driving in Nepal with a India license

IDP Required

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

Convention basisNepal recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.

At the rental deskKathmandu desks request an IDP; many travellers hire a car with a driver.

CarryCarry BOTH your India 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: 1949 Geneva Convention

Get my IDP for Nepal Full Nepal guide

Indian drivers need an International Driving Permit to drive or rent a car in most countries abroad. Your International Driving Permit is the recognised multilingual translation of your existing licence, issued in the 1949 Geneva format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Nepal

Drive on the left.
Steep, narrow mountain roads.
Zero-tolerance alcohol policy.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

Common questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Nepal with a India license?

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

What IDP format does Nepal accept?

Nepal recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.

Do I still carry my India license?

Carry BOTH your India national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.