Cross-border route

Kuwait Iraq

Driving across the border

Yes — you can drive from Kuwait into Iraq: carry a certified IDP translation of your licence alongside the original so border officials and rental desks can read your credentials. Iraq expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, prepared in the 1949 Geneva 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 Iraq Iraq requirements

Last reviewed July 2026

Route at a glance

FromKuwait

ToIraq

IDP in IraqStrongly recommended

Accepted format1949 Geneva

Driving sideright (no change)

Currency in IraqIQD

Emergency number104 (police), 122 (ambulance)

Top speed limit120 km/h expressways

Kuwait → Iraq

Crossing the border

Kuwait and Iraq 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 Iraq

Drive on the right.
Numerous security checkpoints.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.
Drive defensively on intercity roads.

Once you're driving in Iraq

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

Foreign visitors should carry their home national licence plus an International Driving Permit (Iraq accepts the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP); the IDP is effectively mandatory and is expected at police checkpoints and by rental firms. Driving without one risks fines, vehicle impoundment or detention.

Tolls & road charges

Iraq has no nationwide electronic toll network; intercity roads are largely toll-free, though informal checkpoint stops and parking-style fees occur. Budget for fuel and security rather than tolls.

Parking in the cities

Parking in Baghdad, Erbil and Basra is informal and often managed by attendants who collect a small cash fee; secure hotel or guarded lots are strongly advised over street parking for foreign-plated or rental cars.

Fines & camera enforcement

Traffic fines are typically issued and paid in cash to police on the spot; common citations cover speeding, seatbelt and phone use, and rental firms pass any unpaid fines or impound costs back to the renter. Night driving is discouraged for safety, not just legal, reasons.

If you have an accident

After any crash, stop immediately, do not move the vehicles, and call police on 104 (general emergency 122); a police report is required for any insurance claim and for the rental company. Stay at the scene until officers arrive.

Driving in the capital

Baghdad traffic is dense and undisciplined with frequent military/police checkpoints where you must stop, lower the window and present ID and documents; avoid the heavily restricted Green Zone (International Zone) without authorisation.

Sources: remitly.com · internationaldrivingpermit.org · internationaltravelpermits.com

Common questions

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

Yes — Iraq commonly asks foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Iraq recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention format, which is the format your certified IDP translation is prepared in.

Does the driving side change between Kuwait and Iraq?

No. Both Kuwait and Iraq drive on the right.

What is the emergency number and speed limit in Iraq?

In Iraq, dial 104 (police), 122 (ambulance) for emergencies; 112 also works from most GSM phones. The maximum for cars on the fastest road class is 120 km/h expressways, but posted limits in towns and on secondary roads are lower and always take precedence.

How do tolls and road charges work in Iraq?

Iraq has no nationwide electronic toll network; intercity roads are largely toll-free, though informal checkpoint stops and parking-style fees occur. Budget for fuel and security rather than tolls.

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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