Destinations / Kuwait
Driving in Kuwait as a visitor
Usually yes. Kuwait 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 Kuwait expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 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?
Usually yes. Kuwait 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 Kuwait accept?
Kuwait recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Kuwait ask for one?
Kuwait City desks request an IDP for most non-GCC 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.