Does Europcar require an IDP in Belarus?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Europcar in Belarus: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for non-EU and non-Latin-alphabet licences across its European network. Europe's leading mobility brand.
Belarus drives on the right under the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is expected because domestic licences and road signs use Cyrillic.
In Belarus specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Belarus ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Europcar will typically ask for it at the counter. Rental desks ask for an IDP for any non-Cyrillic licence.
Europcar runs a europe / global network; at its Belarus desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Belarus drives on the right, uses the BYN, and sets a minimum driving age of 18, so an IDP is the document that removes any doubt at the counter.
What to bring to the Europcar counter in Belarus
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the BYN deposit; Belarus drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Belarus Europcar renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Zero-tolerance alcohol policy (0.0%).
- Headlights on outside built-up areas.
- Carry passport, IDP and home licence.
Europcar's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Europcar's typical minimum rental age is 21 (some categories and countries allow rental from 18 on selected vehicles), and a Young Driver Surcharge applies to drivers aged roughly 22 to 25 - published at around EUR 30 per day in addition to the rental cost, with the exact amount varying by country per the local Specific Terms.
Europcar accepts only a credit card in the main driver's name (valid with an expiry date after the scheduled return) for the deposit; the deposit amount is blocked - not debited - on the card at pick-up, or within 48 hours before pick-up for Online Check-In, and debit cards are generally not accepted for the security deposit.
Only drivers registered on the rental contract may drive the car, and each additional driver must meet the same age and licence-held requirements; an additional-driver fee typically applies and is set per country. The driver must have held a full valid driving licence for at least one year (the from-18 categories also require one year's licence holding).
Cross-border travel must be declared and authorised, and in the UK taking a vehicle abroad requires the mandatory Europdrive product (24/7 overseas breakdown cover plus VE103B proof of ownership and a Green Card); for one-way rentals a one-way fee is charged and is included in the displayed price when pickup and return locations differ.
Europcar requires a full valid licence held at least one year; if the licence is not written in English (or the language of the country of rental) the driver must present an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside the original national licence - this typically applies to non-Roman/non-Latin-alphabet licences, while an IDP is usually not required to drive within the EU.
Once you collect the keys in Belarus
Belarus runs the BelToll electronic system on major highways (including the M1 to/from the Polish border); cars over 3.5t and most foreign cars must fit an on-board unit obtained with a deposit at border points and BelToll stations, paying per kilometre.
Central Minsk has paid parking zones marked by signs, payable by SMS, the parking app or terminals; many hotels and malls offer lots. Unpaid or illegal parking risks fines and, near government buildings, towing.
Traffic police can levy on-the-spot fines that are often higher than visitors expect, covering speeding, no seatbelt and phone use; pay against an official receipt only, and note enforcement is strict with frequent roadside checks.
Call 102 for police and 103 for ambulance (or 112). You must not move the vehicles and must wait for the traffic police (GAI) to attend and document the scene; a police report is effectively mandatory for any insurance or rental claim.
Full driving guide for Belarus →