
How to Obtain an International Driving Permit in Egypt
An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your domestic driving license into several widely spoken languages. It is governed by international conventions such as the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
◾️ Recognized in over 150 countries.
◾️Valid alongside your original drivers license.
◾️Translates your license into 10+ languages.
◾️Typically valid for one year. What Its Not:
◾️ Not a replacement for your national drivers license.
◾️ Does not give you the right to drive if your national license is expired.
Where Do You Need an IDP?
Many countries require or strongly recommend having an IDP for foreign drivers, especially if your license is in a non-Latin script such as Arabic.
Examples of countries that require or recommend IDPs:
◾️ Italy, Spain, Greece, France (strongly recommended or required)
◾️ Japan, South Korea, Thailand (mandatory)
◾️ Brazil, Argentina, Chile (recommended for tourists)
◾️ UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait (required for tourists)
◾️ USA and Canada (varies by state/province, often recommended)
Having an IDP can prevent delays, legal issues, or denial of insurance coverage. How Egyptian Citizens Can Obtain an IDP
In Egypt, the IDP is issued by Automobile and Touring Club of Egypt (ATCE), under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior and in accordance with the 1949 Convention.
Requirements:
◾️ A valid Egyptian drivers license.
◾️ A national ID card or passport.
◾️ Two passport-sized photographs.
◾️ A completed application form.
◾️ Payment of the applicable fee (approximately EGP 500600). Steps to Apply:
◾️ Visit the Automobile and Touring Club of Egypt (ATCE) office in Cairo or other major cities.
◾️ Present the required documents and fill in the application form.
◾️ Pay the issuance fee.
◾️ Receive the IDP (often on the same day or within a few days). Validity:
◾️ Valid for 1 year from the date of issue.
◾️ Must always be accompanied by your original Egyptian license when driving abroad. Can Egyptian Drivers Use Their License Abroad Without an IDP?
While some countries accept Egyptian licenses for short visits, most require an IDP due to language or legal recognition issues. Without an IDP:
◾️ You may face legal penalties or fines.
◾️ Car rental agencies may refuse service.
◾️ Insurance claims may be denied after an accident.
To ensure compliance, Egyptian travelers should always carry an IDP when driving abroad. How Foreigners in Egypt Can Obtain an IDP?
Many expatriates and travelers in Egypt ask: Can I get an IDP based on my foreign license while living here? Short Answer: No
IDPs must be issued by the country that originally issued your driving license. Egyptian authorities do not issue IDPs to holders of foreign licenses. What Should Foreign Residents Do?
Apply for an IDP in Your Home Country:
◾️ Use your home countrys automobile club or licensing authority.
◾️ Many countries offer online or postal applications.
◾️ Contact Your Embassy in Egypt: Some embassies provide support or guidance for obtaining or renewing IDPs.
◾️ Carry Both Documents: Always travel with your original license and IDP when driving abroad.
◾️ Converting Foreign Licenses in Egypt: Foreigners staying in Egypt long-term can sometimes convert their foreign license into an Egyptian one. Rules vary depending on your country of origin. Tips for Egyptian Travelers Planning to Drive Abroad
◾️ Check driving laws in your destination before departure.
◾️ Carry your IDP and original license at all times.
◾️ Have your passport and visa ready for identification.
◾️ Understand local traffic rules and signage.
◾️ Use GPS or updated maps for navigation.
◾️ Avoid driving in unfamiliar conditions (e.g., snow, mountain roads) if you have limited experience.
Egyptian citizens can drive abroad legally and confidently by obtaining an International Driving Permit through the Automobile and Touring Club of Egypt. Though it is not a standalone license, the IDP is a powerful tool to ensure international recognition of your driving credentials.
Foreigners living in Egypt must apply for an IDP in their home country, as Egyptian authorities issue the permit only for Egyptian licenses. Regardless of your nationality, having an IDP is one of the smartest steps you can take to stay compliant, safe, and worry-free while driving abroad.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Al-Ahram Weekly
20 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
An early Coptic city unveiled in Egypt's Western Desert - Coptic
An Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) has unveiled a significant discovery in the heart of the Western Desert of the remains of the central residential city of Kharga Oasis, dating back to the early Coptic period. Located in the Ain al-Kharab archaeological site within the Islamic and Coptic archaeological zone, the city offers rare insight into Egypt's transition from paganism to Christianity. Among the findings are the ruins of residential structures, churches, and cemeteries, as well as a mural depicting Christ healing a sick person. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, described the discovery as a testament to the depth and diversity of Egyptian civilisation during one of its most transformative periods. "This find enriches our understanding of religious transition in Egypt and highlights the values of tolerance and cultural diversity deeply rooted in our history," he said. He reaffirmed the Ministry's continued support for archaeological missions nationwide and commended the achievements of Egyptian teams working to enhance Egypt's global standing as a cultural tourism destination. "This discovery is considered as a valuable window into early Christian life in Egypt," asserted Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA. He emphasised the importance of the find in shedding light on the beginnings of the Coptic era in Egypt. "Kharga Oasis played a key role as a religious and social hub throughout many historical periods, and this discovery further confirms its significance," Khaled stated. He explained that the unearthed structures include mudbrick homes with plastered walls, service areas equipped with daily-use ovens, and storage spaces containing large, fixed pottery jars once used for preserving food and grain. The mission also recovered ostraca, pottery fragments, glass and stone artefacts, burial remains, and a vivid mural illustrating Christ performing a healing miracle. Seham Ismail, Director General of Antiquities in Kharga and head of the mission, revealed that the team also uncovered the remains of two churches. One is a large basilica-style church featuring a central hall flanked by two aisles, separated by rows of square columns, with service buildings lying to its south. The second church is smaller, rectangular in shape, with remnants of seven exterior columns and Coptic inscriptions still visible on its interior walls. Additional service structures were found on its western side. Ismail added that findings from previous excavation seasons indicate that the site was used continuously across several historical eras. Roman-era buildings were later adapted for use during the early Coptic period and again in the Islamic era — a testament to the region's long-standing role as a centre of life and continuity. This latest discovery further cements Egypt's Western Oases' status as historical treasures and reinforces the country's enduring significance in the region's religious and cultural narrative. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:


Egypt Independent
a day ago
- Egypt Independent
Egypt dispels rumors: New Alamein's 'Downtown Lagoon' lakes to use desalinated seawater only
The Media Center of the Egyptian Cabinet clarified the truth regarding videos circulating on social media. These videos falsely claimed that Nile River water was being used to fill the lakes of the 'Downtown Lagoon' project in New Alamein City, which features 11 artificial lakes. The Media Center confirmed that all lakes in the project will be filled with desalinated seawater, with no use of Nile River water whatsoever. The center highlighted that this project is part of efforts to enhance the tourism and urban infrastructure in the North Coast region, aiming to transform it into a global destination for tourism, residency, and logistical services. The Media Center also noted that experimental filling of the main and largest lake in the project has already begunto test the efficiency of its insulation system, making it the first of the 11 lakes to undergo trial operation. The project is set to include islands, a recreational tourist promenade, and dedicated paths for pedestrians, bicycles, and electric cars. It will also feature numerous developmental, service, tourism, and hotel activities, many of which are being implemented for the first time in Egypt.


See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
SCZone Delegation Taps Chinese Manufacturers to Boost Local Industry
Taarek Refaat A high-level delegation from Egypt's General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), led by Chairman Waleid Gamal El-Dien, continued its investment promotion tour across China by visiting Zhejiang Province to deepen industrial cooperation, particularly in the automotive and green energy sectors. This initiative aims to localize key manufacturing industries in Egypt, increase export capacity, and support the country's strategy to become a hub for electric vehicle and renewable energy production. The delegation kicked off the third day of the tour in Ninghai, where they visited the headquarters of KIBING Group, the world's second-largest producer of flat glass and the third-largest manufacturer of solar panel glass. Gamal El-Dien revealed that KIBING is set to establish the region's largest solar glass factory in the Ain Sokhna Integrated Zone, under SCZONE. The plant will span 800,000 square meters, with an expected investment of $685 million, creating up to 3,000 direct jobs upon full operation. Approximately 80% of the plant's output will be exported, primarily to European and American markets, with the remaining 20% allocated to the domestic Egyptian market, a share that could increase based on local demand. The factory is expected to rely on Egyptian silica sand as a key input, contributing to the localization of the green energy industry. Coordination is underway with national authorities to secure energy and infrastructure needs for the project. The delegation also visited Lynk & Co, an advanced vehicle manufacturing facility operated by Zhejiang Geely Holding in partnership with Sweden's Volvo. The visit focused on understanding cutting-edge automotive production processes and identifying investment requirements such as land, utilities, workforce needs, and technological transfer, core to Egypt's strategy of building a strong local auto industry. Later in the day, the SCZONE team participated in a high-level roundtable organized by the Ningbo Foreign Affairs Office, with participation from senior officials including Yi Qijun, Director General for Europe and Africa Cooperation. The session brought together six of China's leading auto parts manufacturers, including: Joyson (electronics, safety systems, displays), Minth Group (structural components, plastics; operates in the US, Mexico, Japan, Germany), Tuopu Group, Jifeng Co. (seating and interior systems), Ruitai (suspension and steering), Wuhan Auto. Discussions centered on the potential for localizing auto parts manufacturing within SCZONE, viewed as essential for supporting a full-fledged automotive production ecosystem. During the session, Waleid Gamal El-Dien gave a comprehensive presentation highlighting SCZONE's strategic geographic position, integrated industrial-port infrastructure, and access to major global markets through free trade agreements. He emphasized Egypt's long-term goal: to position the country as a regional base for advanced and electric vehicle manufacturing and a critical supplier in global automotive and energy value chains. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks