Does Thrifty require an IDP in Cyprus?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Thrifty in Cyprus: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation in select countries and for non-Roman-alphabet licences. Budget-friendly brand paired with Dollar in many markets.
Unusually for the EU, Cyprus drives on the left; visitors can use a valid foreign licence, with an IDP advised for non-Latin-script holders.
In Cyprus specifically, cyprus lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Thrifty still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Rental cars carry red 'Z' plates; an IDP helps non-EU drivers.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Cyprus desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Cyprus drives on the left, uses the EUR, and sets a minimum driving age of 18; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the Thrifty counter in Cyprus
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the EUR deposit; Cyprus drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Cyprus Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Seatbelts mandatory; no phone use while driving.
- 0.05% alcohol limit; 0.02% for new drivers.
- Speed limits in km/h.
Thrifty's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Thrifty's published minimum rental age is 20 at most U.S. and Canada locations (18 in Michigan, New York, and Quebec); drivers aged 20-24 (or 18-24 in those exception states/province) are charged an Underage Drivers fee that varies by location, typically around $29/day and higher (roughly $35-$52) in New York and Michigan.
A valid credit/debit card in the renter's own name is required and a hold is placed for estimated charges plus roughly $200 extra for credit cards or $500 for debit (about $350 CAD in Canada); Visa/Mastercard/Discover debit cards are accepted only on Compact through Fullsize classes (not Premium and above) and a physical card must be presented as digital-wallet cards are not accepted.
Additional drivers must meet the minimum age requirement and hold a valid licence, and an additional-driver fee applies per day; it is waived for Blue Chip Rewards members, government renters on official orders, corporate-rate customers, and the companion/driver of a physically impaired customer. Thrifty's general policy requires a valid driver's licence covering the entire rental period but does not publish a fixed minimum tenure; in practice under-25 renters are typically expected to have held a full licence for at least one year.
Driving is generally restricted to the continental United States and Canada, and a Canadian resident is prohibited from driving a U.S.-owned vehicle into Canada; one-way rentals are offered within the U.S. and within Canada subject to location/availability with a one-way drop fee.
Foreign renters must present a driver's licence issued in their country of residence together with a valid passport; if the licence is not in English, Thrifty requires both the foreign licence and a current International Driver's Permit to be presented.
Once you collect the keys in Cyprus
Cyprus has no toll roads or vignette system - all motorways, including the A1 Nicosia-Limassol and routes to Paphos and Larnaca, are free to use.
Town centres use metered/paid parking (often EUR 1-2 per hour, typically free evenings and Sundays) and pay-and-display lots; a double yellow line on the kerb means no parking at any time. Municipal parking fines are issued separately from police fines.
A fixed camera network (with about a 5 km/h tolerance) posts speeding fines to the registered keeper, usually payable within 30 days; phone use and no seatbelt also carry fines plus penalty points. Rental companies forward camera fines to the renter, and drivers can reach 16 points before a court hearing.
Drive on the LEFT here. Call 112 for emergencies and report the accident to the police; for any injury, or where drivers disagree on fault, wait for police - do not move vehicles until they attend, and exchange details and photograph the scene.
Full driving guide for Cyprus →