Cross-border route
Spain Portugal
Spain 
PortugalDriving across the border
Yes — you can drive from Spain into Portugal, and you should carry an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. Portugal 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
FromSpain
ToPortugal
IDP in PortugalRequired
Accepted formatBoth
Driving sideright (no change)
Currency in PortugalEUR
Spain → Portugal
Crossing the border
The A5/A6 motorway crosses at Caia between Badajoz and Elvas toward Lisbon.
Driving rules in Portugal
- Electronic tolls (Via Verde) — arrange with your rental car.
- Reflective vest and triangle required.
- 0.05% alcohol limit; 0.02% for new drivers.
- Dipped headlights in tunnels.
What to see when you arrive in Portugal
- the Belém Tower in Lisbon
- Porto's Ribeira and port cellars
- the Algarve coast
- Sintra's palaces
- the Douro Valley vineyards
Common questions
01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Spain to Portugal?
Yes — Portugal requires foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Portugal recognises the Both format, which is what we issue.
02
Does the driving side change between Spain and Portugal?
No. Both Spain and Portugal 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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