Ireland licence Vietnam

Driving in Vietnam with a Ireland license

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

Bring an IDP

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

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

At the rental deskDesks request a 1968 Vienna IDP; older 1949 permits are not accepted.

CarryCarry BOTH your Ireland 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 Vietnam Full Vietnam guide

Irish drivers should carry an International Driving Permit with their licence when driving outside the EU and EEA. 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 Vietnam

Drive on the right amid dense scooter traffic.
Helmets mandatory for all motorbike riders.
0.0% alcohol tolerance.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

Common questions

Can I drive in Vietnam with a Ireland license?

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

Is my Ireland driver's license valid in Vietnam?

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

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Vietnam?

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

Can I rent a car in Vietnam with a Ireland license?

Desks request a 1968 Vienna IDP; older 1949 permits are not accepted.

What IDP format does Vietnam accept?

Vietnam 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 Vietnam?

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

Do I still carry my Ireland license?

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