Destinations / Egypt
Driving in Egypt as a visitor
Usually yes. Egypt 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 Egypt expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 122 (police), 123 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 100–120 km/h desert 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 EGP. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Dense, assertive urban traffic. |
|---|---|
| Lights | Headlights used sparingly at night by locals — drive defensively. |
| Local practice | Checkpoints common between cities. |
| Documents | Carry passport, licence and IDP. |
On the road in Egypt
At the pump
Stations sell 80, 92 and 95 octane petrol plus diesel ('solar'), are attended (no self-serve) and cheap by global standards; many smaller stations are cash-only in Egyptian pounds, so do not rely on cards.
After a crash
Call 122 for police or 128 for the traffic police, and 123 for an ambulance; do not move the vehicles unless they block traffic dangerously, as a police report ('mahdar') is mandatory for any insurance claim.
Sources: rac.co.uk · sixt.co.uk · tollguru.com · dailynewsegypt.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Egypt?
Usually yes. Egypt 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 Egypt accept?
Egypt recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Egypt ask for one?
Requested at rental desks; many visitors hire a driver.
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.