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Home/France/to Belgium
Cross-border route

France Belgium

Driving across the border
Yes — you can drive from France into Belgium, and you should carry an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. Belgium expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, in the Both format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. The A1/E19 motorway links Lille with Mons toward Brussels.
Get my permit for Belgium Belgium requirements

Last reviewed June 2026

Route at a glance
FromFrance
ToBelgium
IDP in BelgiumRequired
Accepted formatBoth
Driving sideright (no change)
Currency in BelgiumEUR
France → Belgium

Crossing the border

The A1/E19 motorway links Lille with Mons toward Brussels.

Driving rules in Belgium

  • Priority to the right at unmarked junctions.
  • Reflective vest and warning triangle required.
  • 0.05% alcohol limit.
  • Low-emission zones in Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent.

What to see when you arrive in Belgium

  • the Grand-Place in Brussels
  • the medieval canals of Bruges
  • the historic centre of Ghent
  • Antwerp's cathedral and diamond quarter
  • the Atomium

Common questions

01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from France to Belgium?
Yes — Belgium requires foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Belgium recognises the Both format, which is what we issue.
02
Does the driving side change between France and Belgium?
No. Both France and Belgium drive on the right.
03
How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?
International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.
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