Destinations / Philippines
Driving in Philippines as a visitor
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. The Philippines drives on the right and lets visitors use a valid foreign licence for up to 90 days; an IDP helps for non-English licences.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Philippines expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 911 |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h expressways |
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 PHP. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Number-coding scheme limits plates on set days in Metro Manila. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Helmets | Helmets mandatory for motorbikes. |
On the road in Philippines
At the pump
Stations are attended (no self-serve) and sell unleaded petrol by octane (91/95/97) and diesel; pump prices change weekly, typically around PHP 55-65 per litre, with cards accepted at branded city stations but cash safer rurally.
After a crash
Dial the national emergency line 911 for serious crashes and call the police to obtain a report; do not leave the scene, and exchange details, as rental firms require a police report before settling damage.
Sources: saferide.ph · ltoguideph.com · moneymax.ph · rappler.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Philippines?
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. The Philippines drives on the right and lets visitors use a valid foreign licence for up to 90 days; an IDP helps for non-English licences.
Which translation format is used for Philippines?
Philippines 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 Philippines ask for a translation?
Manila desks recommend an IDP for non-English licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Philippines?
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.