Destinations / Portugal
Driving in Portugal as a visitor
Usually yes. Portugal 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 Portugal expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| 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?
Usually yes. Portugal 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 Portugal accept?
Portugal recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Portugal ask for one?
Requested for licences issued outside the EU/EEA.
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.