Destinations / Saudi Arabia
Driving in Saudi Arabia as a visitor
Usually yes. Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 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?
Usually yes. Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia accept?
Saudi Arabia recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Saudi Arabia ask for one?
Riyadh and Jeddah desks request an IDP for non-Arabic licences.
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.