Destinations / Pakistan
Driving in Pakistan as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Pakistan drives on the left; an IDP is commonly requested for foreign drivers, though dense traffic means many visitors hire a car with a driver.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Pakistan 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 | 15 (police), 1122 (rescue) |
| 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 | 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 PKR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Heavy mixed traffic: drive defensively. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.0% practical alcohol tolerance. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Pakistan
At the pump
Stations sell petrol and high-speed diesel, with CNG also common for cars; pumps are attendant-served and cards are accepted in cities but cash is safer rurally. Prices are government-set and revised twice monthly, around PKR 250-280 per litre in 2026.
After a crash
Dial 15 for police (or 1122 for the Rescue ambulance service in Punjab and other provinces); in injury or serious crashes do not move the vehicle and wait for police, as an FIR may be filed. Crowds gather fast and informal settlements are common, so notify the rental firm and your insurer immediately and avoid admitting fault.
Sources: internationaldrivingpermit.org · en.wikipedia.org · pakwheels.com · gadventures.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Pakistan?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Pakistan drives on the left; an IDP is commonly requested for foreign drivers, though dense traffic means many visitors hire a car with a driver.
Which translation format is used for Pakistan?
Pakistan 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 Pakistan ask for a translation?
Self-drive desks ask for an IDP; chauffeured hire is common.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Pakistan?
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.