Destinations / Switzerland
Driving in Switzerland as a visitor
Usually yes. Switzerland 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 Switzerland 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 CHF. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Tolls | Motorway vignette required (sold at borders/petrol stations). |
|---|---|
| Lights | Headlights on at all times, day and night. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit; 0.01% for new/professional drivers. |
| Speed | Strict speed-camera enforcement. |
On the road in Switzerland
At the pump
Stations sell Bleifrei 95/98 petrol and Diesel; nearly all are self-service and accept international credit cards, with many unattended pumps overnight requiring a chip-and-PIN card. Petrol runs roughly CHF 1.75 to 1.95 per litre.
After a crash
Call police on 117 (rescue 144, fire 118); police must be called for any injury and for anything beyond minor bodywork damage. Place the warning triangle at least 50 m back (100 m on fast roads), photograph the scene and complete the European Accident Statement (recommended, not compulsory). Do not move vehicles if there are injuries.
Sources: ch.ch · iamexpat.ch · thelocal.ch · lenews.ch
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Switzerland?
Usually yes. Switzerland 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 Switzerland accept?
Switzerland recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Switzerland ask for one?
Requested by major desks for non-EU 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.