Middle East travel guide
Driving in Saudi Arabia with a foreign licence
You need an IDP
You need an IDP plus your national licence to drive in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia drives on the right and bans alcohol entirely; tourists should carry an IDP with their national licence to rent a car.
The essentials
Drives onThe right
IDP neededYes
Minimum age18+
Convention1949 Geneva
On the road
Rules of the road in Saudi Arabia
- Drive on the right.
- Zero alcohol — it is prohibited nationwide.
- Saher speed cameras are extensive.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
At the rental desk
Riyadh and Jeddah desks request an IDP for non-Arabic licences.
Common questions
01
Can I drive in Saudi Arabia with a foreign licence?
Yes, with your national licence plus an International Driving Permit, which Saudi Arabia requires for foreign drivers.
02
Which side of the road does Saudi Arabia drive on?
Saudi Arabia drives on the right.
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