Does Europcar require an IDP in Ukraine?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Europcar in Ukraine: 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.
Ukraine drives on the right under the 1968 Vienna Convention and uses Cyrillic, so an IDP helps translate non-Cyrillic licences.
In Ukraine specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Ukraine ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Europcar will typically ask for it at the counter. Desks ask for an IDP for non-Cyrillic licences.
Europcar runs a europe / global network; at its Ukraine desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Ukraine drives on the right, uses the UAH, 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 Ukraine
- 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 UAH deposit; Ukraine drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Ukraine Europcar renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Headlights on outside built-up areas Oct–Apr.
- 0.02% alcohol limit.
- 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 Ukraine
Ukraine has no nationwide motorway toll or vignette system - state highways are free to use - so no toll payment is required of tourists.
In Kyiv paid parking is zone-based and commonly paid via apps (such as the Kyiv Digital app) or attendants; park only in marked bays, as towing and clamping occur in the centre.
From June 2025 speeding fines rose to as much as ~UAH 2,550 with possible licence loss; Ukraine enforces zero-tolerance drink-driving with heavy fines, suspension or imprisonment, and police frequently run roadside document checks.
Dial 102 for police (112 also routes emergencies); for any injury crash do not move the vehicles and wait for patrol police to record the accident, while minor damage-only cases can use a European-style accident report if both parties agree.
Full driving guide for Ukraine →