Destinations / Bahrain
Driving in Bahrain as a visitor
Usually yes. Bahrain expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Bahrain expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 999 |
| Top speed limit | 120 km/h highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in BHD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Alcohol | Zero-tolerance alcohol law while driving. |
|---|---|
| Speed | Speed cameras widespread. |
| Seatbelts | Seatbelts mandatory front and rear. |
| Phones | Phone use while driving heavily fined. |
On the road in Bahrain
At the pump
Petrol (sold by octane grade) and diesel are widely available and heavily subsidised, making fuel very cheap by global standards. Stations are attended and accept cards across the island.
After a crash
Call 199 for traffic accidents without injuries and 999 if anyone is hurt; you will be directed to one of the accident report centres to file a report. Do not move the vehicles before reporting, as a police report is mandatory for any insurance claim.
Sources: expatfocus.com · newsofbahrain.com · gaurav.imapro.in · countryreports.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Bahrain?
Usually yes. Bahrain expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Bahrain accept?
Bahrain recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Bahrain ask for one?
Manama desks request an IDP for most non-GCC licences.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.