Destinations / Saudi Arabia
Driving in Saudi Arabia as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Saudi Arabia drives on the right and bans alcohol entirely; tourists should carry an IDP with their national licence to rent a car.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Saudi Arabia 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 | 140 km/h on signed highways |
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 SAR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Alcohol | Zero alcohol: it is prohibited nationwide. |
|---|---|
| Speed | Saher speed cameras are extensive. |
| Seatbelts | Seatbelts mandatory. |
On the road in Saudi Arabia
At the pump
Stations are attended and sell Petrol 91, Petrol 95 and diesel; prices are government-regulated and low, around SAR 2.18 per litre for 91, with cards accepted at most branded stations.
After a crash
Call traffic police on 993 (or 911 in major cities) and the Najm insurance service; do not move the vehicles until documented, as a Najm/police report is mandatory and rental firms levy a ~SAR 150 admin fee plus fines if not reported within 24 hours via Absher.
Sources: finalrentals.com · houseofsaud.com · giraffy.com · houseofsaud.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Saudi Arabia?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Saudi Arabia drives on the right and bans alcohol entirely; tourists should carry an IDP with their national licence to rent a car.
Which translation format is used for Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia ask for a translation?
Riyadh and Jeddah desks request an IDP for non-Arabic licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Saudi Arabia?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Middle East
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.