Does Thrifty require an IDP in Kuwait?
Thrifty in Kuwait: the policy in plain terms
Requires an IDP in select countries and for non-Roman-alphabet licences. Budget-friendly brand paired with Dollar in many markets.
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, kuwait legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so Thrifty will ask for it at the counter. Kuwait City desks request an IDP for most non-GCC licences.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Kuwait desks, foreign renters are asked for the 1968 Vienna-format International Driving Permit 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 Thrifty counter in Kuwait
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna 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 Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Zero alcohol — it is prohibited.
- Extensive speed cameras.
- Seatbelts mandatory.