International Driving in the Philippines

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Foreigners may drive in the Philippines for up to 90 days using their valid, home‐issued driver’s license. The key factor is the language in which the license is written.

Language Requirement:

• If your license is in English or includes an official English translation: You do not need an IDP.
• If your license is not in English (and no certified English translation is provided): You must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an equivalent certified translation.

When an IDP Is NOT Required

Foreign drivers holding licenses written in English (or accompanied by an official English translation) are exempt from needing an IDP. Representative examples of countries issuing licenses in English include:

Anglophone Countries & Jurisdictions:
• United States
• United Kingdom
• Canada (English version)
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Ireland
• Singapore
• Hong Kong
• India (when issued in English)
• Pakistan (when issued in English)
• Nigeria (when issued in English)
• South Africa (when issued in English)
• Other predominantly English-speaking territories (e.g., Jamaica, Barbados)

When an IDP Is Required

Drivers whose licenses are issued in a language other than English must obtain an IDP (or a certified translation) to drive legally in the Philippines. Below are representative lists by region:

A. European Countries

Licenses are typically issued in the country’s native language:
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Portugal
• Netherlands
• Belgium
• Austria
• Switzerland
• Sweden
• Norway
• Denmark
• Finland
• Poland
• Czech Republic
• Hungary
• Slovakia
• Romania
• Bulgaria
• Greece
• Turkey (issued in Turkish)
• Russia

B. Latin American Countries

Licenses are usually issued in Spanish or Portuguese:
• Mexico
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Chile
• Colombia
• Peru
• Venezuela
• Ecuador
• Bolivia
• Uruguay

C. Asian Countries

Licenses are often issued solely in the native language:
• Japan
• China
• South Korea
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Malaysia (if not issued in English)
• Vietnam
• Bangladesh
• Pakistan (if not issued in English)
• Sri Lanka (if not issued in English)

D. Middle Eastern Countries

Licenses are generally issued in Arabic (or another local language):
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Bahrain
• Iran

E. African Countries (Non-Anglophone)

Where licenses are commonly issued in French, Arabic, or another local language:
• Egypt
• Morocco
• Algeria
• Tunisia
• (Additional non-Anglophone nations where the license language is not English)

It should be described that the signatory countries of the Geneva or Vienna Convention often bring the rights in an international format, where the English version is present. Then for the first 90 days of your stay in the Philippines, you do not need an International Driver’s License.

Additional Accepted Options

Certified Translation Alternative:
A certified English translation of your foreign driver’s license is accepted in lieu of an IDP.

Duration of Validity:
The foreign license (with IDP or translation) is valid for driving for up to 90 days from the date of entry. For longer stays or residency, conversion to a Philippine driver’s license is required.

This overview provides exact, factual lists based on the language of issuance. In summary, the need for an International Driving Permit in the Philippines is determined not by nationality alone but by whether your driver’s license is in English (or officially translated).

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