Does Europcar require an IDP in Bhutan?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Europcar in Bhutan: 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.
Bhutan drives on the left through Himalayan terrain; an IDP is recommended, and most visitors travel with a licensed guide and driver.
In Bhutan specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Bhutan ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Europcar will typically ask for it at the counter. Independent rental is restricted; tourism rules favour guided transport.
Europcar runs a europe / global network; at its Bhutan desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Bhutan drives on the left, uses the BTN, 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 Bhutan
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the BTN deposit; Bhutan drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Bhutan Europcar renters should know
- Drive on the left on narrow mountain roads.
- Strict speed limits on switchbacks.
- 0.0% alcohol tolerance.
- Carry passport, IDP and permits.
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 Bhutan
Bhutan has no expressway toll or vignette system; road use is free, though tourists pay the government Sustainable Development Fee separately as part of entry, not at any road booth.
In Thimphu use the marked municipal parking bays near landmarks such as Clock Tower Square, Tashichho Dzong and Buddha Dordenma, where attendants collect a small hourly fee; unauthorised parking is fined by the Thimphu Thromde.
Police strictly enforce seatbelt, speed and drink-driving laws with on-the-spot fines; urban limit is 50 km/h, rural 80 km/h. Drink-driving and reckless driving on cliff roads draw heavier penalties and possible licence action.
Dial 113 for police and 112 for ambulance; do not move the vehicles after a serious crash and wait for police, as a police report is required and fault can carry compensation liability.
Full driving guide for Bhutan →