International Driving Permit for Portugal
International Driving Permit for Portugal: IDP recommended for foreign visitors. Driving side, minimum age, and how to get your IDP for Portugal online in minutes.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Portugal?
Recommended for non-EU visitors; required when your licence is not in the Latin alphabet. An International Driving Permit is an official translation of your national driver's licence into multiple languages — it never replaces your home licence, so always carry both, along with your passport.
What to carry when driving in Portugal
- Your valid national driver's licence
- Your International Driving Permit (IDP)
- Your passport and rental documents
How to get your IDP for Portugal
You don't need to visit an office. Get your International Driving Permit online with International DL in minutes — we translate your licence into the official UN-convention languages and issue your IDP digitally, ready before you fly.
Which permit Portugal recognises
Portugal is party to both the 1949 Geneva and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, so an International Driving Permit issued under either treaty is recognised there.
Treaty status per the United Nations treaty depositary: 1949 Geneva Convention · 1968 Vienna Convention
Driving on the Right-hand side in Portugal
Portugal drives on the RIGHT. If you normally drive on the left, allow time to adjust — roundabouts, junctions and overtaking all run the opposite way, and most rental cars will have the gear shift on your right.
The legal minimum driving age in Portugal is 18. Rental companies routinely set their own, higher minimum and often add a young-driver surcharge below 25.
Driving to Portugal soon?
Get your digital International Driving Permit in minutes and drive worry-free.
Get my IDP →Common questions about driving in Portugal
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Portugal?
IDP recommended for foreign visitors. Recommended for non-EU visitors; required when your licence is not in the Latin alphabet.
Which side of the road does Portugal drive on?
Portugal drives on the Right-hand side of the road.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid?
An IDP is valid for 1–3 years from the date of issue, depending on the plan you choose, and only while your national licence remains valid.
How fast can I get an IDP for Portugal?
You can get a digital International Driving Permit from International DL online in minutes — apply, and we issue your IDP without a trip to an office.
How Europe compares
Requirements change at the border. If your trip crosses into a neighbouring country, check it before you drive.
| Country | IDP | Drives on | Min. age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greece | IDP required | Right-hand side | 18+ |
| United Kingdom | IDP recommended | Left-hand side | 17+ |
| Ireland | IDP recommended | Left-hand side | 17+ |
| Malta | IDP recommended | Left-hand side | 18+ |
| Cyprus | IDP recommended | Left-hand side | 18+ |
Other countries
Read more in our travel guides.
Checked August 29, 2026. Driving rules change and can vary by region and nationality. Always confirm the current requirements with the official transport authority or embassy of Portugal before you travel.