Destinations / Portugal
Driving in Portugal as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Non-EU visitors should carry an IDP to drive and rent in Portugal.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Portugal expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| 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 & 1968 Vienna |
| 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 EUR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Tolls | Electronic tolls (Via Verde): arrange with your rental car. |
|---|---|
| In the car | Reflective vest and triangle required. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit; 0.02% for new drivers. |
| Lights | Dipped headlights in tunnels. |
On the road in Portugal
At the pump
Stations sell gasolina (unleaded 95/98) and gasoleo (diesel), mostly self-service paid at the till, with cards widely accepted; main chains are Galp, Repsol, BP and Cepsa. In 2026 petrol averages around EUR 1.65 and diesel around EUR 1.55 per litre, dearer on motorways.
After a crash
Call 112 for emergencies (the GNR or PSP handle road policing). For a minor crash, complete the European Accident Statement (Declaracao Amigavel) jointly with the other driver; call police if there is injury, a dispute, or a driver without documents, and do not move vehicles before documenting an injury crash.
Sources: hertz.pt · carjet.com · estatefy.com · guerin.pt
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Portugal?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Non-EU visitors should carry an IDP to drive and rent in Portugal.
Which translation format is used for Portugal?
Portugal uses the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Portugal ask for a translation?
Requested for licences issued outside the EU/EEA.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Portugal?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Europe
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.