Cross-border route
Portugal Spain
Portugal 
SpainDriving across the border
Yes — you can drive from Portugal into Spain, and you should carry an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. Spain 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 A5/A6 motorway crosses at Caia between Badajoz and Elvas toward Lisbon.
Last reviewed June 2026
Route at a glance
FromPortugal
ToSpain
IDP in SpainRequired
Accepted formatBoth
Driving sideright (no change)
Currency in SpainEUR
Portugal → Spain
Crossing the border
The A5/A6 motorway crosses at Caia between Badajoz and Elvas toward Lisbon.
Driving rules in Spain
- Two warning triangles and a reflective vest must be carried.
- Spare pair of glasses required if you wear them to drive.
- 0.05% alcohol limit; 0.03% for novice drivers.
- Roundabouts: yield to traffic already circulating.
What to see when you arrive in Spain
- the Sagrada Família in Barcelona
- the Alhambra in Granada
- the Prado Museum in Madrid
- the Camino de Santiago
- the beaches of the Costa del Sol
Common questions
01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Portugal to Spain?
Yes — Spain requires foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Spain recognises the Both format, which is what we issue.
02
Does the driving side change between Portugal and Spain?
No. Both Portugal and Spain 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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