Destinations / Belarus
Driving in Belarus as a visitor
Usually yes. Belarus 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 Belarus expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 or 102 |
| Top speed limit | 110 km/h motorways |
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 BYN. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Alcohol | Zero-tolerance alcohol policy (0.0%). |
|---|---|
| Lights | Headlights on outside built-up areas. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Belarus
At the pump
Unleaded petrol (typically A-92, A-95, A-98) and diesel are widely sold by Belorusneft and Lukoil; stations are usually attendant-assisted (pay the cashier first), fuel is cheap by EU standards, and rural cards may be refused so carry cash (Belarusian rubles).
After a crash
Call 102 for police and 103 for ambulance (or 112). You must not move the vehicles and must wait for the traffic police (GAI) to attend and document the scene; a police report is effectively mandatory for any insurance or rental claim.
Sources: rac.co.uk · belarus.by · internationaldriversassociation.com · tyremap.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Belarus?
Usually yes. Belarus 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 Belarus accept?
Belarus recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Belarus ask for one?
Rental desks ask for an IDP for any non-Cyrillic licence.
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.