When planning a trip or business visit to any part of the world, from Dubai to the rest of the UAE, it is critical to know whether your driver’s license will be accepted in the country you will visit. The list of countries where the UAE Driving Licence is valid is extensive. Furthermore, the procedure of obtaining a UAE Driving Licence is difficult. To get it, a driver must undergo a rigorous examination, which includes both knowledge and driving tests.
Additionally, the UAE boasts a diverse population, with people from all over the world calling it home. Naturally, all of these people return to their home nations or other parts of the world as well. As a result, countries with valid UAE licenses become more useful in these situations. So, if you want to know more about Dubai licence valid nations, we have the following information for you: You can also read our thorough guide to foreign driving licenses accepted in the UAE.
UAE Driving License
First, ensure sure your UAE driver’s license is still current and has not expired before travelling abroad. Furthermore, the UAE driver’s license has been divided into several types. These include personal cars, light vehicles, big vehicles, motorcycles, and a few others.
To earn a UAE Driving Licence, drivers must also pass a theory test as well as a practical driving test. This assures that UAE driver’s license holders has the essential abilities to drive safely. Individuals with a valid UAE driver’s license, on the other hand, enjoy visiting abroad nations more.
List of UAE Driving License Valid Countries
Having a valid UAE Driving Licence simplifies travel when exploring other countries. The acceptance of the UAE’s driver’s license extends from the GCC countries to Europe, the USA, and numerous other international locations. The countries where a UAE licence is valid are as follows:
| Azerbaijan | Bahrain | Bangladesh | Belarus |
| Belgium | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Brunei | Bulgaria |
| Canada | China | Colombia | Costa Rica |
| Croatia | Cyprus | Czech Republic | Denmark |
| Ecuador | Egypt | El Salvador | Ethiopia |
| Finland | France | Gabon | Georgia |
| Germany | Ghana | Greece | Guatemala |
| Hungary | Honduras | Hong Kong | Iceland |
| India | Indonesia | Iran | Iraq |
| Ireland | Italy | Jamaica | Japan |
| Jordan | Kazakhstan | Kenya | Kuwait |
| Latvia | Lebanon | Liechtenstein | Lithuania |
| Luxembourg | Macau | Madagascar | Malta |
| Malaysia | Mexico | Mongolia | Montenegro |
| Morocco | Netherlands | Nicaragua | Norway |
| Oman | Panama | Paraguay | Peru |
| Philippines | Poland | Portugal | Puerto Rico |
| Qatar | Romania | Russia | Saudi Arabia |
| Serbia | Seychelles | Singapore | South Africa |
| Slovakia | Slovenia | South Korea | Spain |
| Sri Lanka | Sweden | Switzerland | Taiwan |
| Thailand | Trinidad & Tobago | Tunisia | Turkey |
| Ukraine | United Kingdom | United States | Uruguay |
| Uzbekistan | Venezuela | Vietnam | Yemen |
Driving in the GCC with a UAE Driver’s License
Having a valid UAE driver’s license simplifies travel throughout the other GCC countries. The countries where a UAE Driving Licence is valid include all of the GCC nations. Furthermore, a valid UAE Driving Licence allows you to drive a car legally in any of the GCC countries without the need for any extra permit.
Additionally, individuals often travel throughout the GCC, and the UAE’s driver’s license serves as a multi-country passport. This simplifies life significantly for travellers who hold a valid licence. Ensure that your UAE driver’s license remains valid when travelling to any GCC region outside the country.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
The International Driving Permit, often referred to as the International Driving Licence, is necessary for entry into most countries around the world. However, the list of countries where the Dubai licence is valid is extensive. However, the IDP document is required for driving in many countries across Europe, North America, and Asia.
The IDP provides a translation of the UAE’s driving licence in various languages. So, this makes it easy to read and understand foreign authorities. Getting an International Driving Permit from Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE does not involve any extra testing. However, you will need to submit the official fee.
Benefits of Holding a UAE’s Driving License
The UAE is a highly regarded nation globally. If you possess a valid driving licence in this region, you can explore the extensive list of countries where a UAE Driving Licence is recognised. When you plan to visit any of the countries listed in the table above, you have the option to rent a car and drive it as usual.
The UAE Driving Licence serves as a highly dependable form of identification. An embedded chip contains the holder’s personal information. However, it is accessible solely to authorised personnel. A valid driving licence will facilitate renting cars at more affordable rates in foreign destinations.
It is important to remember that this list of valid countries for UAE licenses is subject to change. It is likely to evolve as additional countries continue to accept the licence. Be sure to verify the legal driving requirements of any country you visit.
FAQs
Q1. Can I drive in Georgia with a UAE license?
Yes, you can drive in Georgia with a UAE driving license. However, it’s recommended to also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your UAE license, as it may be required for certain situations or rental car companies.
Q2. Can I drive in Switzerland with a UAE license?
Yes, you can drive in Switzerland with a UAE driving license for a short period of time (usually up to 12 months). After that, you may need to obtain a Swiss driver’s license if you plan to stay longer.
Q3. How to apply for an International Driving License?
To apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP), go to the issuing body in your country, which is commonly an automobile association or similar organisation. You will normally be required to give your valid domestic driver’s license, passport-sized pictures, and a nominal charge. Your domestic licence is translated into the IDP, which is valid for one year.
Q4. Can I use my UAE driving license in the Philippines?
Yes, you can drive in the Philippines with a valid UAE driver’s license for up to 90 days. If you intend to stay for an extended amount of time, you may be required to obtain a local driver’s license.
Q5. Can I use my UAE driving license in Canada?
Yes, you can use your UAE driver’s license in Canada for a brief amount of time, usually up three months. However, it is recommended that you carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your UAE license, particularly if you want to rent a car or remain for a longer amount of time.
Q6. Can I drive in Azerbaijan with a UAE license?
Yes, you can drive in Azerbaijan with a UAE driver’s license for a limited time, typically up to 90 days. If you intend to stay in Azerbaijan for an extended period of time, you may be required to obtain a local driver’s license.
Q7. Can I drive in Armenia with a UAE license?
Yes, you can drive in Armenia with a UAE driver’s license for a limited time, usually up to six months. If you intend to stay in Armenia for an extended period of time or become a resident, you may be required to obtain a local driver’s license.
Q8. What’s the cost of an international UAE driving license?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) in the UAE normally costs between AED 150 and AED 170 (about $41 to $46 USD). The cost of a UAE Driving Licence varies depending on the type of licence, the period, and the applicant’s standing.
Q9. Is the UAE license valid in India?
Yes, UAE driver’s licenses are normally valid in India. To ensure simpler interactions with authorities, it is recommended that you carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your UAE licence.
Q10. Can I drive in Australia with a UAE license?
Yes, you can drive in Australia with a UAE driver’s license temporarily. Regulations vary by state, and some may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your UAE licence.
Q11. Can I drive in the USA with a UAE license?
Yes, depending on the state, you can drive in the USA for a limited time—usually up to three months—using a UAE driver’s license. For easier recognition, it is advised to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your UAE licence.