Does Europcar require an IDP in Kuwait?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Europcar in Kuwait: 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.
Kuwait drives on the right with strict speed enforcement; tourists should carry an IDP with their national licence, and alcohol is banned entirely.
In Kuwait specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Kuwait ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Europcar will typically ask for it at the counter. Kuwait City desks request an IDP for most non-GCC licences.
Europcar runs a europe / global network; at its Kuwait desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Kuwait drives on the right, uses the KWD, 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 Kuwait
- 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 KWD deposit; Kuwait drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Kuwait Europcar renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Zero alcohol — it is prohibited.
- Extensive speed cameras.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
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 Kuwait
Kuwait has no toll roads or vignette system; the expressway network is free to use.
Parking is free in many areas but prohibited where the kerb is painted black-and-yellow; illegal parking near malls and Kuwait City business districts is ticketed and cars may be towed, so use marked bays and mall garages.
Under the 2025 traffic law penalties are steep: running a red light rose to around KD 150 (with possible jail), reckless driving KD 150 plus impoundment, and fines range roughly KD 10-500; speed and red-light cameras are extensive and rental firms bill camera fines back to the renter.
Notify police immediately on 112, do not leave the scene, and wait for officers; a police report is mandatory for insurance and the rental company, and being involved in a crash (even if not at fault) can lead to temporary detention.
Full driving guide for Kuwait →