Do You Need an International Driving Permit in Greece?
Drivers holding a licence issued outside the EU or EEA are expected to carry an International Driving Permit alongside the original licence when driving in Greece. Greece is party to the 1949 Geneva Convention and 1968 Vienna Convention. Traffic drives on the right. Motorway limit 130 km/h. Sources reviewed 2026-07-23.
Who needs an IDP in Greece
Who this applies to. Drivers holding a licence issued outside the EU or EEA are expected to carry an International Driving Permit alongside the original licence when driving in Greece
Who is treated differently. EU and EEA licence holders drive under EU mutual recognition rules and do not need an IDP
The dividing line in Greece is EU/EEA versus everything else. EU and EEA licences are recognised outright. A licence issued elsewhere — a US, Canadian, Australian or UK licence, for example — is where Greek guidance points to carrying an IDP with the original.
Which convention applies
Greece is party to the 1949 Geneva Convention and 1968 Vienna Convention. The convention determines which IDP format has a legal basis here, which is why two IDPs that look similar are not always interchangeable.
Where a country is party to more than one convention, the more recent convention generally governs between states that are party to both.
Driving facts for Greece
| Driving side | Right |
|---|---|
| Road traffic convention | 1949 Geneva Convention, 1968 Vienna Convention |
| Motorway speed limit | 130 km/h |
| Rural speed limit | 90 km/h |
| Built-up area limit | 50 km/h |
| Minimum rental age | 21 |
| Blood alcohol limit | 0.05 g/dl general limit; 0.02 g/dl for drivers with under two years' experience, motorcyclists and professional drivers |
Is a digital IDP accepted in Greece?
Not confirmed. No published Greek national policy confirming acceptance of digital-only driving documents was found. Carry the printed IDP with the original licence.
This is the least documented question in this category. Most national authorities have not published a position on digital-only driving documents, and rental companies set their own rules. Carry a printed document and treat any digital copy as a convenience, not a substitute. See our explanation of what an IDP is for more.
What to carry
- Original valid national driving licence
- International Driving Permit if your licence is non-EU/EEA
- Passport or national ID
- Vehicle rental agreement and insurance documents
Your original national driving licence is the document that grants driving privileges. A translation-support document is presented alongside it and never replaces it.
Rental desks and roadside checks in Greece
At the rental desk. Island rental desks, particularly on Crete, Rhodes and the Cyclades, are the most common place a non-EU visitor is asked for an IDP. Quad and ATV hire is widespread in tourist areas and is subject to the same licence-category rules as a car — your licence must actually cover the vehicle.
In a roadside check. Greek traffic police conduct roadside document checks in tourist regions during summer. Present the original licence; the IDP supports it. Note the tiered alcohol limit — new drivers, motorcyclists and professional drivers face a stricter 0.02 threshold than the general 0.05.
Specific to Greece
- Greece is party to both the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions.
- The alcohol limit is tiered: 0.05 g/dl generally, but 0.02 g/dl for drivers with under two years' experience, motorcyclists and professional drivers.
- Quad and ATV hire is common in island resorts and requires the matching licence category — a car licence does not automatically cover it.
- Many island roads are unsurfaced and outside the scope of standard rental insurance.
Greece driving document questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Greece?
If your licence was issued outside the EU or EEA, yes — Greek guidance points to carrying an IDP alongside the original licence. EU and EEA licence holders drive under mutual recognition rules and do not need one.
Can I drive in Greece with a US licence?
A US licence sits outside the EU/EEA framework, so an IDP carried with the original licence is the route described. Rental desks on the islands ask for it routinely.
Do I need a special licence to rent a quad bike in Greece?
Your national licence must cover the vehicle category. A standard car licence does not automatically permit a quad or ATV, and hiring one without the correct category affects both enforcement and insurance.
What is the drink-drive limit in Greece?
0.05 g/dl for most drivers, dropping to 0.02 g/dl for drivers with under two years' experience, motorcyclists and professional drivers.
Sources used on this page
- GOV.UK — Driving in Greece
- GOV.UK — International Driving Permit
- Hellenic Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport
Sources last reviewed: . Facts we could not confirm are marked as unconfirmed rather than estimated.
Before you apply
WorldIDP is an independent private translation-support service. It is not a government agency and does not replace your original national driving licence. Check the requirement for your destination first, then apply only if a private translation document fits your situation.