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 countriesIf 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 noteEven 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.

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 i…