Driving in Saudi Arabia with an International License? 5 Conditions You Need to Know
The Saudi Traffic Department (Muroor) recently shared five key conditions on its official X account (formerly Twitter) for visitors who wish to drive in Saudi Arabia with an international or foreign driver’s license. These rules are designed to ensure safety and establish consistent driving standards across the Kingdom. Here are the main conditions:
1. License Compatibility with Vehicle Type
The visitor’s license must be appropriate for the type of vehicle they wish to drive in Saudi Arabia. This ensures that drivers possess the necessary qualifications and experience to operate their chosen vehicle safely on Saudi roads.
2. Certified License Translation
The license must be translated by a certified authority. This official translation is required to allow Saudi traffic authorities to validate the license details accurately, ensuring clarity and consistency in documentation.
3. Driving Period Validity
Visitors are allowed to drive for a maximum of one year from the date of their entry into Saudi Arabia or until the license expires, whichever occurs first. This condition provides flexibility for tourists and short-term residents while maintaining a limit to ensure compliance with local licensing standards.
4. Acceptance of GCC-Issued Licenses
Saudi Arabia permits driving with valid licenses issued by other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, provided the license is still valid. This mutual recognition facilitates travel within GCC countries, allowing citizens and residents of these nations to drive in Saudi Arabia without additional licensing requirements during the validity period of their license.
5. International Driving Permit (IDP) Limitations
An international driving permit (IDP) issued by a GCC country is not recognized for driving within Saudi Arabia. Visitors holding an IDP from a GCC nation will need to ensure their documentation meets the Saudi driving requirements if they plan to operate a vehicle in the Kingdom.
By adhering to these conditions, visitors can legally and safely navigate the roads in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the regulations set forth by the Muroor to maintain road safety and regulatory compliance.
