Destinations / Kosovo
Driving in Kosovo as a visitor
Usually yes. Kosovo 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 Kosovo expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 130 km/h motorways |
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 EUR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on day and night. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Local practice | Buy border vehicle insurance on entry. |
On the road in Kosovo
At the pump
Unleaded petrol, diesel and LPG are readily available at attended and self-service stations, with card accepted in towns; prices are among the lower in the region.
After a crash
Stop at the scene and call the police for any property damage or injury (even single-vehicle); a police report is required and you must not leave before it is taken, then notify the border-insurance provider.
Sources: rac.co.uk · bks-ks.org · rhinocarhire.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Kosovo?
Usually yes. Kosovo 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 Kosovo accept?
Kosovo recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Kosovo ask for one?
Pristina desks ask for an IDP; border insurance is compulsory.
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.