EU and EEA licences
A driving licence issued in an EU or EEA country is recognised throughout the 30 European states that belong to either — the EU members plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. You do not need an International Driving Permit to drive between them.
Licences from outside the EU and EEA
Carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) together with your national licence. Of the 44 European countries we track, 3 list it as required for visitors — Germany, Greece, Italy — and the others recommend it. It is usually required whenever your licence is not in the Latin alphabet, and rental companies routinely ask for it either way.
Driving on a US licence in Europe
Americans can drive in Europe on a visit, but an IDP is strongly recommended, and in Germany, Greece, Italy it is required. The table below gives every country's rule; each name opens that country's page with its convention, minimum age and neighbours.
Side of the road and minimum age
Most of Europe drives on the right. Cyprus, Ireland, Malta, United Kingdom drive on the left. The minimum driving age is 18 in most countries, and rental firms often set their own higher minimum, frequently 21 or 25.
Every European country at a glance
"IDP" is the rule for drivers whose licence was issued outside the EU and EEA.
| Country | EU / EEA | IDP | Drives on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albania | — | Recommended | Right |
| Andorra | — | Recommended | Right |
| Austria | EU | Recommended | Right |
| Belarus | — | Recommended | Right |
| Belgium | EU | Recommended | Right |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | — | Recommended | Right |
| Bulgaria | EU | Recommended | Right |
| Croatia | EU | Recommended | Right |
| Cyprus | EU | Recommended | Left |
| Czech Republic | EU | Recommended | Right |
| Denmark | EU | Recommended | Right |
| Estonia | EU | Recommended | Right |
| Finland | EU | Recommended | Right |
| France | EU | Recommended | Right |
| Germany | EU | Required | Right |
| Greece | EU | Required | Right |
| Hungary | EU | Recommended | Right |
| Iceland | EEA | Recommended | Right |
| Ireland | EU | Recommended | Left |
| Italy | EU | Required | Right |
| Latvia | EU | Recommended | Right |
| Liechtenstein | EEA | Recommended | Right |
| Lithuania | EU | Recommended | Right |
| Luxembourg | EU | Recommended | Right |
| Malta | EU | Recommended | Left |
| Moldova | — | Recommended | Right |
| Monaco | — | Recommended | Right |
| Montenegro | — | Recommended | Right |
| Netherlands | EU | Recommended | Right |
| North Macedonia | — | Recommended | Right |
| Norway | EEA | Recommended | Right |
| Poland | EU | Recommended | Right |
| Portugal | EU | Recommended | Right |
| Romania | EU | Recommended | Right |
| Russia | — | Recommended | Right |
| Serbia | — | Recommended | Right |
| Slovakia | EU | Recommended | Right |
| Slovenia | EU | Recommended | Right |
| Spain | EU | Recommended | Right |
| Sweden | EU | Recommended | Right |
| Switzerland | — | Recommended | Right |
| Turkey | — | Recommended | Right |
| Ukraine | — | Recommended | Right |
| United Kingdom | — | Recommended | Left |
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Europe?
If your licence was issued in the EU or EEA, no — it is recognised throughout both. If it was issued anywhere else, carry an IDP with it: of the 44 European countries we track, 3 (Germany, Greece, Italy) list it as required, the rest recommend it, and it is usually required whenever your licence is not in the Latin alphabet.
Can I drive in Europe with a US license?
Yes, for a visit, but carry an International Driving Permit alongside your US licence. Some countries require it and many rental companies ask for it.
Which side of the road does Europe drive on?
Most of Europe drives on the right. Cyprus, Ireland, Malta, United Kingdom drive on the left.
Heading to Europe? Get your IDP before you fly
Apply on your phone — same-day digital delivery, with an optional posted booklet.
Get my IDP →Information only, not legal advice. Requirements vary by country and change — confirm with the official authority before you travel.