Destinations / Iraq
Driving in Iraq as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Iraq drives on the right; an IDP is expected with your home licence, though most visitors arrange drivers given security and road conditions.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Iraq expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 104 (police), 122 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 120 km/h expressways |
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 IQD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Numerous security checkpoints. |
|---|---|
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
| Roads | Drive defensively on intercity roads. |
On the road in Iraq
At the pump
Petrol (benzene, regular and 'improved'/super grades) and diesel are sold cheaply at attended stations; pumps are attendant-served and cash in Iraqi dinar is expected, as card acceptance is unreliable. Fill up in towns before long desert stretches.
After a crash
After any crash, stop immediately, do not move the vehicles, and call police on 104 (general emergency 122); a police report is required for any insurance claim and for the rental company. Stay at the scene until officers arrive.
Sources: remitly.com · internationaldrivingpermit.org · internationaltravelpermits.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Iraq?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Iraq drives on the right; an IDP is expected with your home licence, though most visitors arrange drivers given security and road conditions.
Which translation format is used for Iraq?
Iraq 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 Iraq ask for a translation?
Self-drive is rare; an IDP and passport are expected where rental exists.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Iraq?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Middle East
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.