Cross-border route

Iraq Kuwait

Driving across the border

Yes — you can drive from Iraq into Kuwait: carry a certified IDP translation of your licence alongside the original so border officials and rental desks can read your credentials. Kuwait expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, prepared in the 1968 Vienna Convention format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. Plan your border crossing in advance and keep your passport, national licence and IDP together.

Get my permit for Kuwait Kuwait requirements

Last reviewed July 2026

Route at a glance

FromIraq

ToKuwait

IDP in KuwaitStrongly recommended

Accepted format1968 Vienna

Driving sideright (no change)

Currency in KuwaitKWD

Emergency number112

Top speed limit120 km/h motorways

Iraq → Kuwait

Crossing the border

Iraq and Kuwait share a land border you can cross by car. Keep your passport, national driving licence and International Driving Permit together, and check opening hours and any toll or vignette requirements before you travel.

Driving rules in Kuwait

Drive on the right.
Zero alcohol — it is prohibited.
Extensive speed cameras.
Seatbelts mandatory.

Once you're driving in Kuwait

Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.

Driving on a foreign licence

Short-stay visitors should carry a valid home licence plus an International Driving Permit to drive and rent legally; rental firms generally require the IDP alongside the national licence, and the renter must be at least 21 and have held a licence for one year. (Residents must convert to a Kuwaiti licence.)

Tolls & road charges

Kuwait has no toll roads or vignette system; the expressway network is free to use.

Parking in the cities

Parking is free in many areas but prohibited where the kerb is painted black-and-yellow; illegal parking near malls and Kuwait City business districts is ticketed and cars may be towed, so use marked bays and mall garages.

Fines & camera enforcement

Under the 2025 traffic law penalties are steep: running a red light rose to around KD 150 (with possible jail), reckless driving KD 150 plus impoundment, and fines range roughly KD 10-500; speed and red-light cameras are extensive and rental firms bill camera fines back to the renter.

If you have an accident

Notify police immediately on 112, do not leave the scene, and wait for officers; a police report is mandatory for insurance and the rental company, and being involved in a crash (even if not at fault) can lead to temporary detention.

Driving in the capital

Kuwait City's ring-road system (First through Sixth Ring Roads) carries fast, aggressive traffic with frequent tailgating and sudden lane changes; the Gulf Road and city-centre junctions are notorious congestion and speed-camera spots.

Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com · gulfnews.com · kuwaitexpat.com · kuwaithow.com

Common questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Iraq to Kuwait?

Yes — Kuwait commonly asks foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Kuwait recognises the 1968 Vienna Convention format, which is the format your certified IDP translation is prepared in.

Does the driving side change between Iraq and Kuwait?

No. Both Iraq and Kuwait drive on the right.

What is the emergency number and speed limit in Kuwait?

In Kuwait, dial 112 for emergencies; 112 also works from most GSM phones. The maximum for cars on the fastest road class is 120 km/h motorways, but posted limits in towns and on secondary roads are lower and always take precedence.

How do tolls and road charges work in Kuwait?

Kuwait has no toll roads or vignette system; the expressway network is free to use.

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.