In this article, you’ll learn exactly who does and doesn’t need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Greece, what the Greek law says after its most recent update, and why, even if you don’t legally need one, you may run into trouble without one.
Who needs an International Driving Permit to drive in Greece and what does Greek Law state?
In November 2021 there was a change to the number of countries that do not have to provide an international driver’s permit in order to legally drive in Greece if you are staying in the country for less than 6 months.
This means that these countries join the list of European countries that don’t need to get an international driver’s permit (IDP) to legally drive in Greece.
The Greek Government website lists the countries that don’t need an international driver’s permit. Greek Law requires any country not on this list to have an International Driving Permit to legally drive in Greece.
Here are the 20 countries that, along with the European Union member countries, don’t need an international driving license in Greece:
| Australia | Belarus | Brazil | Canada |
| Chile | Costa Rice | Ghana | Indonesia |
| Iran | Israel | Japan | Albania |
| Serbia | South Africa | South Korea | Switzerland |
| United Kingdom | Ukraine | United States of America | Venezuela |
List of Sources and for further information:
- Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Greece
- United States of America Embassy and Consulate in Greece
- Australian Embassy Greece
- Greek City Times, November 2022
The Difference between an International Driver’s License and an International Driving Permit
There’s no such thing as an International Driving license but when people use the term they are almost always referring to an International Driving Permit, or IDP which is simply a translation of your existing regular license so that you can legally drive in foreign countries.
An International driving license sounds like a lot of red tape and a hassle to get, but an international driver’s permit is simple, fast, and inexpensive to get so long as you already have a valid driver’s license in your home country.
Car Rental Agencies
But, regardless of the actual law, the terms and conditions of individual car rental, quad, ATV, motorcycle, or scooter rental companies are not the same.
Companies are able to set their own terms and conditions so even though you may not have to produce a valid international driving license if pulled over by police, you are most often not able to get a car rental as a foreign driver without an international driving permit.
Car rental agencies in the Greek islands are particularly resolute on this issue if you’re from any foreign country.
In fact, I’ve been told it’s not necessary to see my state-issued driver’s license, only my international driving permit, even though I don’t need an international driving permit under Greek law!
This selective interpretation of Greek law doesn’t just happen when renting cars or with car rental companies – it applies to any type of vehicle you want to rent in Greece.
My most recent adventures driving in Greece (it’s an adventure because I don’t ‘regularly’ drive on the right-hand side of the road), were with two reputable companies, one on Naxos Island and the other on Tinos Island, where I needed to show my International driving permit on both occasions.
On Tinos Island, I also had to show my regular driver’s license. And of course, you need to give your credit card because there’s usually a large security deposit they take from your card (€ 700!)
How to get an International Driving Permit in Greece
Getting an international driving license in Greece is easy because several companies offer an online service, so you can get an IDP from anywhere in the world quickly.
To be eligible to get an International Driving Permit you need to already have a driver’s license and be 18 years of age or over.
I can recommend the International Drivers Association. They are incredibly highly rated, have unlimited replacements free of charge, and, best of all, 24/7 live chat with humans!
In addition, the downloads of the permits are available within eight minutes, and if you choose the print plus digital version, they have free worldwide shipping for the physical version of the documents that are super speedy.
You can check out their website here.
Frequently Asked Questions About International Driving Licence Requirements in Greece
1. Do you need an international driver’s license to drive in Greece?
If you come from one of the countries that Greece recognizes as having an equivalent licensing system, and you are staying less than six months, then legally, you don’t need an international driver’s license to drive in Greece.
This includes American citizens.
However, the reality is that you will almost certainly be asked to produce an international driver’s license in Greece at a car rental company so it makes sense to get one before you leave as a failsafe.
2. Do Brits need an international driving Licence for Greece?
Legally, Brits don’t need an international driver’s license for Greece.
However, the terms and conditions of almost all rental agencies on both mainland Greece and especially on the Greek islands will require an international driving license, regardless of your home country and regardless of Greek Law.
It’s better just to get one before you leave – they’re fast, cheap and easy to get and they save you arguing with rental companies in Greece on your holiday.
3. Can I drive in Greece with EU license?
If you have an EU driving license, that is, you have a license from an EU country, then you can legally drive in Greece with your license, and without an International Driving Permit.
4. Do I need an international driver license for Santorini?
Many foreign tourists don’t require international driver’s licenses under Greek Law in order to drive in Greece (check here for the law regarding your country).
HOWEVER, you’ll find that in Santorini, it’s almost mandatory to produce an international driver’s license to rent any kind of vehicle.
5. Can you drive in Greece as a tourist?
You can certainly drive in Greece as a tourist if you have a valid driver’s license from your home country and, if you have an international driving permit if you come from one of the countries that require one under Greek Law.
If you need to hire a car, scooter, quad, ATV, or other vehicle in Greece, you’ll need to check the minimum age requirements and you’ll most likely need to have an international driver’s permit (license).
