Destinations / Nepal
Driving in Nepal as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Nepal drives on the left through Himalayan terrain; an IDP is commonly requested for foreign drivers, and mountain roads demand caution.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Nepal expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 100 (police), 102 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 80 km/h highways |
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 NPR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Roads | Steep, narrow mountain roads. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Zero-tolerance alcohol policy. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Nepal
At the pump
Stations sell petrol and diesel only (no widespread LPG/CNG for cars), are attendant-served, and as of mid-2026 prices are among South Asia's highest at about NPR 219/litre petrol and NPR 207/litre diesel. Outside cities pumps are sparse and often cash-only, so fill up before long mountain stretches.
After a crash
Dial 100 for police (or 102 for ambulance); in any injury or serious-damage crash do not move the vehicle and wait for traffic police, as crowds can gather quickly. Report immediately and exchange details, and notify the rental company at once since informal on-the-spot cash settlements are common but risky for foreigners.
Sources: internationaldrivingpermit.org · kathmandupost.com · english.ratopati.com · en.wikipedia.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Nepal?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Nepal drives on the left through Himalayan terrain; an IDP is commonly requested for foreign drivers, and mountain roads demand caution.
Which translation format is used for Nepal?
Nepal 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 Nepal ask for a translation?
Kathmandu desks request an IDP; many travellers hire a car with a driver.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Nepal?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Asia
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.