Driving in Cyprus
Geneva Convention International Driving Document · drives on the left

Driving in Cyprus: International Driving Document Guide for visitors

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Visitors to Cyprus need an International Driving Document if their licence is not in English. Cyprus is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic only — it is not a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention. Cyprus drives on the left. Urban speed limit is 50 km/h; highways up to 100 km/h. Blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.

Cyprus at a glance

Permit type
Geneva Convention International Driving Document
Side of road
Left (Overtake on the right)
How long it is valid
1 year from issue
Minimum driving age
18
Blood alcohol limit
0.05%
Emergency number
112
How it works

How to get your permit for Cyprus

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

  1. Tell us your destination

    Cyprus + your nationality. ~30 seconds.

  2. We confirm what you need

    The right convention for Cyprus — 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.

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Cyprus driving rules at a glance

Side of road
Left (Overtake on the right)
Minimum driving age
18
Speed limit — urban
50 km/h
Speed limit — rural
80 km/h
Speed limit — motorway
100 km/h
Blood alcohol limit
0.05%
Seatbelts
Mandatory for all passengers
Helmet
Mandatory for motorcycle riders
Mobile phone
Hands-free only
Emergency number
112
What you need

Documents required to drive in Cyprus

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 Cyprus

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 Foreign tourists may drive on valid national licence for duration of tourist stay; exact long-term resident limit UNVERIFIED from primary Cypriot government source.

    Check local rules — Some authorities require conversion after extended stays

Check what your licence needs
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Driving in Cyprus with a foreign licence, answered.

Keep exploring

More for your Cyprus 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.