Do You Need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to Drive in Greece? 2026 Updated Guide

In this article, you’ll find out who needs an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Greece, what the latest Greek rules say, and why carrying an IDP is still strongly recommended even when it is not strictly required by law.

Who Needs an International Driving Permit to Drive in Greece?

Greek law distinguishes between legal requirements and practical realities.

EU / EEA licence holders (including Cyprus)
If you hold a valid driving licence from any EU or EEA country — including Cyprus, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein — you can drive in Greece without an IDP.

Exempt non-EU countries (short stays up to 6 months / 185 days)
Under Law 4850/2021 (Article 25 §3) and subsequent updates, holders of valid national licences from the following countries may drive in Greece without an IDP for tourist stays of up to six months:

• Australia
• Canada
• Japan
• South Korea
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

Other countries with bilateral recognition agreements (e.g. Switzerland, Albania, Serbia, South Africa) also allow temporary driving on the national licence alone in many cases.

All other countries
If your country is not on the exempt list and is not an EU/EEA member, Greek law generally requires you to carry a valid International Driving Permit together with your national driving licence.

Important practical note
Even when Greek law does not require an IDP, many car rental companies (especially on the islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Crete and the Cyclades) still demand one. Police checks and insurance claims can also be smoother with an IDP. The U.S. Embassy in Greece continues to recommend that American drivers carry both their national licence and an IDP.

International Driver’s Licence vs International Driving Permit

There is no such thing as an “International Driver’s Licence.”
What people usually mean is an International Driving Permit (IDP) — an official multi-language translation of your existing national driving licence. An IDP is never a stand-alone document; it is valid only when accompanied by your original licence.

Car Rental Agencies in Greece

Rental companies set their own rules. Major international brands and most local agencies on the islands routinely ask non-EU drivers for an IDP, even if the law does not require it. Refusing to produce one can result in the company declining the rental.

How to Get an International Driving Permit

An IDP must be issued in your home country by an authorised organisation (for example AAA or AATA in the United States, the AA in the UK, etc.). You cannot obtain a valid IDP after arriving in Greece as a tourist.

Most official issuers offer both physical and digital versions. Processing is usually quick (often same-day or within a few days) when done through the recognised national automobile association.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need an international driver’s licence to drive in Greece?
Legally, only if your country is not exempt. Practically, many rental companies and some police officers still expect one.

2. Do Brits need an international driving permit for Greece?
No. UK photocard licences are accepted for short stays without an IDP. Paper licences may still benefit from a 1968-convention IDP.

3. Can I drive in Greece with an EU licence (including Cyprus)?
Yes. A valid EU/EEA licence — including one issued in Cyprus — is fully recognised and no IDP is required.

4. Do I need an IDP for Santorini (or other Greek islands)?
Greek law does not require it for drivers from the exempt countries listed above. However, island rental agencies almost always ask for one. It is safest to carry it.

5. Can tourists drive in Greece?
Yes. Tourists may drive with a valid national licence (plus IDP if required by nationality or by the rental company) for stays of up to six months. After establishing residence, a Greek licence is normally required.

Bottom line for 2026
Check whether your country is on the official exempt list. Even if it is, obtain an IDP before you travel — it costs little, takes little time, and prevents almost all rental-desk and roadside problems.

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