15 Epic Road Trips That Require an International Driving Permit
The world's most spectacular drives all have one thing in common: you need an IDP to experience them. Here are 15 routes worth the journey.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Winding clifftop roads above the Tyrrhenian Sea. Non-EU drivers need an IDP as Italian police actively enforce requirements, especially in tourist areas along the coast.
Italy IDP requirements →Great Ocean Road, Australia
243 km of breathtaking ocean views and rainforest. Non-English-language licence holders need an IDP. Major rental companies at Melbourne Airport routinely request one.
Australia IDP requirements →Route 66, USA
The classic American road trip. International visitors should carry an IDP, as many state police and rental agencies expect one from foreign licence holders.
USA IDP requirements →Ring Road, Iceland
1,322 km around the entire island past glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. Non-EU drivers should carry an IDP for rental companies and roadside encounters.
Iceland IDP requirements →Garden Route, South Africa
300 km through forests, lagoons, and dramatic coastline. An IDP is strongly recommended and required by most rental companies. South African police may request it at roadblocks.
South Africa IDP requirements →Planning a Road Trip? Get Your IDP First
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Apply Now — From $29 →Chiang Mai Loop, Thailand
762 curves through mountain roads and hill-tribe villages. Thailand legally requires an IDP for all foreign drivers. Police checkpoints are common along this popular route.
Thailand IDP requirements →Fuji Five Lakes, Japan
Scenic drives with views of Mount Fuji reflected in pristine lakes. Japan strictly enforces IDP requirements — only Geneva Convention IDPs are accepted.
Japan IDP requirements →Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Dramatic mountain passes through Berber villages and red-rock gorges. Morocco requires an IDP and police checkpoints outside cities are frequent.
Morocco IDP requirements →Milford Sound, New Zealand
Through ancient beech forests and along mirror-still lakes to dramatic fiords. An IDP is recommended for non-English licence holders and required by most rental agencies.
New Zealand IDP requirements →Costa Brava, Spain
Rugged coastline, hidden coves, and medieval villages along Catalonia's shoreline. Non-EU drivers need an IDP. Spanish rental companies consistently require one.
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Apply Now — From $29 →Sahara Desert Route, Morocco
Red sand dunes, oasis towns, and star-filled desert skies. This route requires an IDP and careful preparation. Police presence along the route is regular.
Morocco IDP requirements →Bali Circuit, Indonesia
Rice terraces, temples, and volcanic landscapes. Indonesia requires an IDP and Bali police actively check tourist drivers at checkpoints throughout the island.
Indonesia IDP requirements →Silk Road, Turkey
Ancient caravanserais, fairy chimneys, and Mediterranean coast. An IDP is strongly recommended for driving in Turkey and required by most rental companies.
Turkey IDP requirements →Patagonia, Argentina
Endless steppe, glaciers, and turquoise lakes at the edge of the world. Argentina requires an IDP for foreign drivers, and the remote roads make proper documentation essential.
Argentina IDP requirements →Scottish Highlands, UK
Lochs, castles, and single-track roads through wild, ancient landscapes. Non-English-language licence holders should carry an IDP. Rental companies may request one.
UK IDP requirements →Your Road Trip Starts Here
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