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Where Can You Drive Abroad With Your Dubai & UAE Driving License?

If you’re a resident of UAE or Dubai and planning to go overseas, you might be curious about the validity of your driving license in other countries. Fortunately, your UAE/Dubai driving license is acknowledged in more than 100 countries around the globe, which makes it a hassle-free choice for international travel.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation (MoFAIC) has created a catalog of 100 nations that approve and acknowledge driving licenses provided by the Emirates. This directory is an advantageous reference for residents of UAE who wish to drive in foreign countries and need to validate the authenticity of their driving license.

To simplify the directory, the countries have been divided into regions. This categorization enables you to easily identify which countries in each region accept UAE driving licenses, making it convenient for you to plan your overseas journeys.

Africa

Algeria
Ethiopia
Ghana
Kenya
Madagascar
Morocco
Seychelles
South Africa
Tunisia
Yemen

Asia

Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Brunei
Bangladesh
China
Georgia
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kuwait
Lebanon
Macau
Malaysia
Mongolia
Oman
Pakistan
Philippines
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
South Korea
Sri Lanka
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
Uzbekistan
Vietnam

Europe

Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Ukraine
United Kingdom

North America

Canada
Mexico
Puerto Rico
United States

South America

Colombia
Costa Rica
Ecuador
Guatemala
Honduras
Jamaica
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Trinidad & Tobago
Uruguay
Venezuela

Oceania

Australia
Fiji

What is International Driving Permit IDP?

Driving in foreign countries with your Dubai or UAE license is convenient, but it’s important to keep in mind that some countries may require you to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your license. An IDP is a legal requirement under the United Nations convention that allows drivers to operate their vehicles legally outside of the UAE without requiring additional tests or documentation.

To acquire an IDP, you can apply through various entities in the UAE, and the permit is typically valid for one year. However, before your trip, it’s crucial to review the driving laws and regulations of the country you plan to visit to avoid any legal issues. You can check the website of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) to determine if the country requires an IDP.

To obtain an IDP, you will need to provide the following documents: an IDL form, a copy of your Emirates ID, a copy of your passport and valid residency, a copy of your UAE driving license, and two passport-size photographs. Here is a helpful list of countries that require an IDP along with your UAE driving license:

Austria
Greece
Japan
Spain
Belgium
Hong Kong
Malaysia
Sweden
Brazil
Hungary
Norway
Switzerland
Bulgaria
Indonesia
Oman
Thailand
Canada
Ireland
Poland
Turkey
China
Italy
Portugal
United Kingdom
Cyprus
South Korea
United States of America
Czech Republic
Latvia
Romania

Make sure to double-check the latest regulations and laws of the country you plan to visit and obtain an IDP if required to ensure a safe and hassle-free driving experience.

How to get your International Driving Permit?

You can easily apply and get your International Driving permit from below:-

Automobile and Touring Club of UAE (ATCUAE)
RTA offices
Emirates Post offices
Dnata office in Sheikh Zayed Road
affiliate members of ATCUAE
Ministry of Interior through the MOI UAE app, available on iTunes and Google Play.

Q: How can I get an international driving license in UAE?

A: To obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in UAE, you need to apply in person at one of the authorized centers, such as the Automobile and Touring Club of UAE (ATCUAE) or the Emirates Driving Institute. You will need to fill out an application form, submit the required documents, and pay a fee. The required documents include a copy of your UAE driving license, passport, Emirates ID, two passport-size photographs, and the IDP application form.

Q: Which countries accept UAE driving license?

A: The UAE driving license is recognized in over 100 countries worldwide. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation (MoFAIC) has compiled a list of these countries on their website. The countries have been categorized by region, making it easier for you to determine which countries recognize your UAE driving license.

Q: How much is the international driving permit in UAE?

A: The cost of an International Driving Permit (IDP) in UAE varies depending on the issuing authority. Generally, the fee ranges between AED 150 to AED 250. However, some authorized centers may charge an additional processing fee.

Q: How long does it take to get an international driving license in UAE?

A: The time it takes to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in UAE depends on the issuing authority. Generally, the process takes around 3 to 5 working days, but it may take longer during peak seasons or if additional verification is required.

Q: Is an international driving permit allowed in UAE?

A: Yes, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is allowed in UAE. However, if you are a UAE resident, you are only allowed to use your IDP for a maximum of six months from the date of entry into UAE. After that, you will need to obtain a UAE driving license.

Q: Is a UAE license valid in Canada?

A: No, a UAE driving license is not valid in Canada. To drive in Canada, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a Canadian temporary driver's license, which you can apply for at the local licensing office.