Destinations / Finland
Driving in Finland as a visitor
Usually yes. Finland 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 Finland expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 120 km/h motorways in summer |
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 & 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 EUR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on at all times. |
|---|---|
| Tyres | Winter tyres mandatory in winter conditions. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Roads | Watch for elk/reindeer on rural roads. |
On the road in Finland
At the pump
Unleaded 95/98 petrol and diesel are sold at mostly self-service, card-operated stations; stations are sparse in the north, so refuel before long rural stretches.
After a crash
Call 112 immediately for emergencies; police attendance is required for injuries or major damage, and drivers normally complete a joint accident report form for insurers.
Sources: rac.co.uk · visitfinland.com · expat-finland.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Finland?
Usually yes. Finland 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 Finland accept?
Finland recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Finland ask for one?
Helsinki desks ask for an IDP for non-EU 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.