Destinations / Bhutan
Driving in Bhutan as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Bhutan drives on the left through Himalayan terrain; an IDP is recommended, and most visitors travel with a licensed guide and driver.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Bhutan expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Bhutan drives on the left through Himalayan terrain; an IDP is recommended, and most visitors travel with a licensed guide and driver.
Which translation format is used for Bhutan?
Bhutan uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Bhutan ask for a translation?
Independent rental is restricted; tourism rules favour guided transport.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Bhutan?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Asia
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.