Does National require an IDP in Laos?
National in Laos: the policy in plain terms
Requires an IDP for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local regulations require it. Business-traveller brand known for Emerald Aisle.
Laos drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence, though recognition is inconsistent and many travellers hire drivers.
In Laos specifically, laos legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so National will ask for it at the counter. Vientiane desks request an IDP; carry passport and home licence too.
National runs a global network; at its Laos desks, foreign renters are asked for the Local rules-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Laos drives on the right, uses the LAK, 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 National counter in Laos
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the Local rules format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the LAK deposit; Laos drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Laos National renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Helmets mandatory for motorbikes.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Livestock and pedestrians on rural roads.