Tables of countries signatory to the International Driving Permit Conventions – Vienna 1968 and Geneva 1949

Signatories of the Vienna Convention of 1968 (notable countries):

• Albania

• Germany

• Armenia

• Austria

• Azerbaijan

• Bahrain

• Belarus

• Belgium

• Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Brazil

• Bulgaria

• Cape Verde

• Chile

• Ivory Coast

• Cuba

• Denmark

• Ecuador

• Spain

• Estonia

• Finland

• France

• Georgia

• Greece

• Hungary

• Indonesia

• Iran

• Iraq

• Israel

• Italy

• Kazakhstan

• Kuwait

• Latvia

• Lithuania

• Luxembourg

• Morocco

• Mexico

• Monaco

• Mongolia

• Montenegro

• Myanmar

• Niger

• Norway

• Uzbekistan

• Pakistan

• Netherlands

• Peru

• Philippines

• Poland

• Portugal

• South Korea

• Czech Republic

• Romania

• United Kingdom

• Russia

• Serbia

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

• Sweden

• Switzerland

• Tajikistan

• Thailand

• Tunisia

• Turkey

• Ukraine

• Uruguay

• Uzbekistan

• Vietnam

• Zimbabwe

This list is not exhaustive; about 86 parties as of 2023.

Notes:

• Several countries are parties to both Vienna and Geneva Conventions, such as France, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Russia, United Kingdom, Philippines, Vietnam, etc. These countries generally recognize both IDP formats, but the newer Vienna convention usually prevails locally if applicable.

• Cambodia officially recognizes only the Vienna Convention since 2022, but some tolerance for Geneva permits remains in practice depending on local circumstances.

• It is recommended to always verify the acceptability of your international driving permit with the embassy or local authorities before traveling.

Signatories of the Geneva Convention of 1949 (notable countries):

• South Africa

• Algeria

• Germany

• Saudi Arabia

• Argentina

• Australia

• Austria

• Bangladesh

• Belgium

• Brazil

• Canada

• Cambodia

• Chile

• China (Hong Kong, Macau)

• South Korea

• Ivory Coast

• Croatia

• Cuba

• Denmark

• Spain

• United States

• Finland

• France

• Ghana

• Greece

• India

• Indonesia

• Iran

• Ireland

• Israel

• Italy

• Jamaica

• Japan

• Jordan

• Laos

• Lebanon

• Luxembourg

• Madagascar

• Malaysia

• Malta

• Morocco

• Monaco

• Montenegro

• Namibia

• New Zealand

• Nigeria

• Norway

• Uganda

• Pakistan

• Netherlands

• Peru

• Philippines

• Poland

• Portugal

• United Kingdom

• Russia

• Senegal

• Serbia

• Singapore

• Sri Lanka

• Sweden

• Switzerland

• Syria

• Thailand

• Tunisia

• Turkey

• Ukraine

• Uruguay

• Vietnam

• Zimbabwe

More than 100 parties; some countries are signatories to both conventions.

The International Driving Permit (IDP) was established to facilitate cross-border driving by providing a standardized document recognized internationally. The first major agreement was the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (1949), created in the post-World War II era to simplify international road travel and ensure uniformity in driving regulations across member countries. Under this convention, travelers could obtain an IDP in their home country, which would be valid in other signatory nations for a limited period.

Later, as road traffic increased and international travel became more accessible, the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (1968) was introduced to update and modernize international driving laws. This convention built upon the Geneva agreement, offering a more comprehensive legal framework to standardize road signs, driving rules, and extend the validity and format of the IDP.

Today, both conventions coexist, with countries adhering to either the Geneva 1949 or Vienna 1968 standards. The IDP remains an essential document for travelers wishing to drive abroad, especially in Asia, where adherence to these conventions varies by country. Understanding which convention is recognized by your destination is crucial to ensure legal and hassle-free driving abroad.