I’M Going To Greece; Do I Need An International Drivers License?

In Greece, foreign tourists are required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) when visiting the Greek islands. This is because Greek laws require a foreign driver to have an IDP and a valid national driver’s license. The IDP is a translation of your national driver’s license and is mandatory to accompany your valid domestic driver’s license.

In Santorini, it is almost mandatory to produce an international driver’s license. However, if you are from a country recognized by Greece as having an equivalent licensing system, you don’t need an IDP. For short-term car rentals, visitors must carry a valid U.S. driver’s license and an IDP, even if the rental company has issued a valid license from an EU country.

Greece has changed its law in November 2021, recognizing US licenses. If your driving license is issued in a country listed in the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, you don’t need an IDP. However, UK drivers and residents of EU nations can drive a car in Greece using their license from home.

A new legislation was passed on November 5, 2021, that allows foreign drivers to have an IDP along with a valid national driver’s license. The IDP is a translation of your national driver’s license and is required to accompany your valid domestic driver’s license with an IDP.

While an international driver’s license is not mandatory for all drivers in Greece, there are several benefits to obtaining one, even if you are from a country that requires an IDP.

Is Greece in the EU?

The European Union (EU) is a group of 27 countries that operates an internal market, allowing free movement of goods, capital, services, and people between its member states. The EU includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. The European Economic Area (EEA), which includes EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, allows them to be part of the EU’s single market.

Can I travel to Greece with my ID?

Travel formalities in Greece are straightforward for EU citizens, who can enter without a passport, and non-EU citizens who need a valid passport or visa. However, some countries require a visa for entry, with exceptions for the USA, Australia, and New Zealand. For animals and pets, a health certificate is required for entry. To learn if a visa is needed, contact the Greek Embassy in your country. For non-EU citizens, a valid ID with Latin characters is sufficient, and customs and vaccines are not required. For more information, contact your vet and the Greek Embassy.

Do I need a permit to go to Greece?

It is possible to travel to the Schengen Area, which includes Greece, without a visa for a period of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to visits of a tourist nature, business meetings, cultural events, short-term studies, and training. The requirements for working in Greece are subject to variation. Those engaged in creative pursuits may be eligible for a Uniform (Schengen) visa.

Can I rent a car in Greece without an international driver’s permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document regulated by the 1949 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic, written in 10 languages, and serves as an officially recognized translation of a domestic driver’s license into many languages. It is required to be accompanied by a valid domestic driver’s license at the time of receiving a car rental in Greece and any country or jurisdiction that recognizes the document.

The UN does not issue driving permits, but authorized travel associations administer the service. A passport-size booklet is administered to verify the motorist’s valid driver’s license from their permanent place of residence.

US citizens and temporary residents with stays less than six months with a valid US driver’s license can drive in Greece with their U. S. license. If you have rented a car in Italy, it is important to check if your license is acceptable or if you need to accompany it with an IDP for a car rental in Greece.

Do I need an international license for Greece?

Greece requires foreign drivers to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a valid national driver’s license before traveling to the country. The IDP is a translation of the national license and can be obtained from an automobile association in your own country. The process involves filling out an application form, providing a copy of your current license, passport photos, and a small fee. Driving behavior in Greece can be significantly different from other countries, with road conditions and aggressive driving styles. Be well-prepared and alert while on the road.

Do I need an international driving permit for France and Italy?

It is not necessary to possess an international driving permit (IDP) in order to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, or Liechtenstein. Nevertheless, it may be obligatory to possess an international driving permit (IDP) for driving in certain EU countries and Norway if one has a paper driving license, a license issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man, or a UK driving license. International driving permits (IDPs) can be obtained in person from select PayPoint-operated stores.

What driving Licence do you need for Greece?

In accordance with Greek legislation, individuals aged 18 or above are required to possess a valid driving licence. This applies to motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 125cc and mopeds, which may be operated by individuals aged 16 or above. Drivers from EU and EEA countries are permitted to operate vehicles in Greece, and international driving permits are recognized by the local authorities, though they are not a prerequisite for driving in the country.

It is permissible for vehicles from the United Kingdom to be temporarily imported into Greece for a period of up to six months without the requisite customs documents. However, the vehicle must be accompanied by a full and valid United Kingdom driving licence, proof of identity, a motor insurance certificate, and a V5 registration document.

Do I need an international driver’s license in Italy?

Americans visiting Italy as tourists should obtain an International Driving Permit before leaving the U. S. If the permit expires while abroad, they can apply for a new one via mail or by mail through the American Automobile Association. Tourists can use their valid American driver’s license with an official translation in Italian. Americans registered with the local Vital Records Bureau must apply for an Italian license within one year of registration.

However, there is no agreement for reciprocal recognition of drivers’ licenses between the U. S. and Italy. Interested individuals must meet the requirements for obtaining an Italian license, including a written test, driving test, medical examination, and relevant documents.

What documentation do I need to hire a car in Greece?

Car rental in Greece requires an international passport, driver’s license, or an IDP if your national license is not valid. A bank card in the name of the main driver is also required. When public transport is too long and taxis are expensive, renting a car is the optimal choice. However, it is important to consider the terms and conditions in advance, such as including all drivers in the contract, limiting daily mileage, restricting driving on earth roads and using ferry services, not allowing traveling abroad, and the longer the rental period, the cheaper it is.

What ID do I need to fly to Greece?

Greek law requires a passport to have at least six months of remaining validity for entry into Greece. If you are transiting a country that requires six months of validity, you may not be permitted to continue your trip. U. S. citizens traveling on a lost or stolen passport may not be permitted entry into Greece and may be returned to their original departure point. Emergency passports are issued only at the Embassy in Athens, and staff members do not travel to the ports of entry.

Upon arrival, proof of sufficient funds and a return airline ticket or other evidence of departure are required. U. S. official and diplomatic passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before arrival. If traveling on official military orders, the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Guide should be reviewed. If you are a U. S. citizen with a passport listing your place of birth as the Northern Republic of Macedonia, the Greek authorities will stamp your passport.

Can tourists rent a car in Greece?

It is permissible to rent a vehicle in Greece with a US license; however, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a prerequisite for all US citizens. The process entails determining the dates and locations of the journey, selecting the desired vehicle, and evaluating factors such as the number of passengers and luggage.