Destinations / Nepal
Driving in Nepal as a visitor
Usually yes. Nepal 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 Nepal expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| 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?
Usually yes. Nepal 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 Nepal accept?
Nepal recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Nepal ask for one?
Kathmandu desks request an IDP; many travellers hire a car with a driver.
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.