Driving in Bahrain
International Driving Document · drives on the right

Driving in Bahrain: International Driving Document Guide for visitors

Start Express Application

Visitors to Bahrain need an International Driving Document if their licence is not in English. Bahrain is a party to both the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Bahrain drives on the right. Urban speed limit is 60 km/h; highways up to 120 km/h. Blood alcohol limit is 0.00%.

Bahrain at a glance

Permit type
International Driving Document
Side of road
Right (Overtake on the left)
How long it is valid
1 year (Geneva) or up to 3 years (Vienna)
Minimum driving age
18
Blood alcohol limit
0.00%
Emergency number
999
How it works

How to get your permit for Bahrain

You do the first step; a dedicated expert does the rest.

  1. Tell us your destination

    Bahrain + your nationality. ~30 seconds.

  2. We confirm what you need

    The right convention for Bahrain — picked for you, so you don't have to decide.

  3. We handle the paperwork

    Your dedicated expert checks your documents, prepares the application, and files it correctly with the authorized agency.

  4. Review by a real person

    A dedicated expert reviews your submission — not a bot.

  5. Track every step

    Live dashboard + email/SMS updates from submission until your International Driving Document is in hand.

Start Express Application

Bahrain driving rules at a glance

Side of road
Right (Overtake on the left)
Minimum driving age
18
Speed limit — urban
60 km/h
Speed limit — rural
80 km/h
Speed limit — motorway
120 km/h
Blood alcohol limit
0.00%
Seatbelts
Mandatory for all passengers
Helmet
Mandatory for motorcycle riders
Mobile phone
Hands-free only
Emergency number
999
What you need

Documents required to drive in Bahrain

What police and rental counters expect you to carry, every time you drive.

  • Valid foreign driving licenceMust be valid and cover the vehicle class
  • International Driving Document(only if it applies to you)Backup translation for non-English licences
  • PassportRequired for identification at all times
  • Valid visa or visa exemptionMost nationalities need one
  • Vehicle registration documentsProvided by rental company
  • Third-party insuranceMandatory — rental cars include this
Do you need one?

When you need a permit in Bahrain

How the requirement plays out, case by case.

  • English-language foreign licence

    No — Accepted for the duration of your visa/stay

  • Non-English foreign licence

    Recommended / backup — Needed as a translation if police or rental company ask

  • Licence not in English + rental

    Yes — carry one — Rental companies may require it

  • Staying longer than Short-term visitors must carry a valid home-country licence with an accepted International Driving Document; residents must obtain a Bahraini licence.

    Check local rules — Some authorities require conversion after extended stays

Check what your licence needs
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Driving in Bahrain with a foreign licence, answered.

Keep exploring

More for your Bahrain trip

How we reviewed this page

Last verified Reviewed by Expedify Compliance Review

About this service

Expedify is a private application-assistance service, not a government agency or an authorised issuer. International Driving Documents are issued by the authorised body in your licence country; our agency fee covers preparation, review, and tracking of your application, and is separate from the issuer's own fee. The information on this page is general guidance, not legal advice — acceptance rules are set by each destination country and can change. Always confirm requirements with the official issuer or the authorities of the country you're visiting.