Destinations / Bhutan
Driving in Bhutan as a visitor
Usually yes. Bhutan 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 Bhutan expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 113 (police), 112 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 50 km/h mountain roads (national cap) |
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 | 1949 Geneva |
| 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 BTN. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Speed | Strict speed limits on switchbacks. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.0% alcohol tolerance. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and permits. |
On the road in Bhutan
At the pump
Stations sell petrol and diesel and are attendant-served; they are sparse outside towns, so refuel in Thimphu, Paro or Wangdue before long mountain stretches and carry cash (ngultrum/Indian rupee).
After a crash
Dial 113 for police and 112 for ambulance; do not move the vehicles after a serious crash and wait for police, as a police report is required and fault can carry compensation liability.
Sources: travel.state.gov · tyremap.com · drukasia.com · thimphu.gov.bt
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Bhutan?
Usually yes. Bhutan 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 Bhutan accept?
Bhutan recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Bhutan ask for one?
Independent rental is restricted; tourism rules favour guided transport.
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.