Middle East
Driving in Saudi Arabia
Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. Here is exactly what Saudi Arabia expects from a visiting driver, and how to have it before you land.
Saudi Arabia
Middle East · drives on the right
- Drives on the
- Right
- Rental min age
- 18+
- Ready in
- 8 min
Do I need an international driving permit in Saudi Arabia?
Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. A permit is required for visitors driving on a foreign licence.
Which side of the road does Saudi Arabia drive on?
Saudi Arabia drives on the right-hand side of the road.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Saudi Arabia?
Rental desks in Saudi Arabia generally require drivers to be at least 18. Younger drivers may face a surcharge or be refused.
How quickly can I get one before I fly?
The digital document is issued in minutes — the median is 41 seconds after payment — and works offline. A printed booklet ships separately by tracked courier.
Requirements are set by Saudi Arabia and can change. We publish what the destination currently expects and update it when it moves. If Saudi Arabia refuses the document we recommended for it, our money-back guarantee applies.