Destinations / Pakistan
Driving in Pakistan as a visitor
Usually yes. Pakistan 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 Pakistan expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 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?
Usually yes. Pakistan 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 Pakistan accept?
Pakistan recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Pakistan ask for one?
Self-drive desks ask for an IDP; chauffeured hire is common.
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.