Visitors to Saudi Arabia are allowed to drive using an international or foreign driving license, provided specific conditions are met. The Saudi traffic authority has reiterated these requirements to clarify existing rules for visitors planning to drive in the Kingdom.
According to Moroor, a visitor’s driving license must be compatible with the type of vehicle being driven. For example, a private car license does not permit driving motorcycle or heavy vehicles.
Moroor also clarified that foreign licenses must be translated by an accredited authority if they are not originally issued in Arabic. This requirement helps traffic officers verify license details accurately when needed.
Official clarification on driving with foreign and international licenses, as published by Saudi traffic authorities (Moroor).
In terms of validity, visitors are permitted to drive for up to one year from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia, or until the license expires, whichever comes first. This condition applies even if the visitor remains in the Kingdom for an extended period within that timeframe.
The authority further confirmed that driving licenses issued by GCC countries are accepted and remain valid for the duration of their original validity period while the visitor is in Saudi Arabia.
However, Moroor emphasized an important distinction: international driving permits issued by GCC countries are not recognized in the Kingdom. Visitors holding such permits are advised to rely on their original national driving licenses instead.