Destinations / Kuwait
Driving in Kuwait as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Kuwait drives on the right with strict speed enforcement; tourists should carry an IDP with their national licence, and alcohol is banned entirely.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Kuwait expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 120 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 | 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 | 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 KWD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Alcohol | Zero alcohol: it is prohibited. |
|---|---|
| Speed | Extensive speed cameras. |
| Seatbelts | Seatbelts mandatory. |
On the road in Kuwait
At the pump
Fuel is heavily subsidised and attendant-served, priced in fils per litre - roughly 85 fils for petrol 91, 105 fils for 95 and about 115 fils for diesel; cards and cash are both accepted at stations.
After a crash
Notify police immediately on 112, do not leave the scene, and wait for officers; a police report is mandatory for insurance and the rental company, and being involved in a crash (even if not at fault) can lead to temporary detention.
Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com · gulfnews.com · kuwaitexpat.com · kuwaithow.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Kuwait?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Kuwait drives on the right with strict speed enforcement; tourists should carry an IDP with their national licence, and alcohol is banned entirely.
Which translation format is used for Kuwait?
Kuwait uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Kuwait ask for a translation?
Kuwait City desks request an IDP for most non-GCC licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Kuwait?
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.