Driving in Pakistan: International Driving Document requirements for visitors
Start Express ApplicationVisitors to Pakistan need a 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Document or a 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Document alongside their valid foreign driving licence to drive legally. Pakistan is a party to both conventions. Pakistan drives on the left. Urban speed limit is 50 km/h, motorway up to 120 km/h. Blood alcohol limit is 0.03%.
Pakistan at a glance
- Permit type
- Vienna Convention International Driving Document
- Side of road
- Left
- How long it is valid
- Up to 3 years
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.03% — confirm with local authorities
- Emergency number
- 15 (police), 1122 (ambulance) — confirm current numbers with local authorities
How to get your permit for Pakistan
You do the first step; a dedicated expert does the rest.
Tell us your destination
Pakistan + your nationality. ~30 seconds.
We confirm what you need
A 1949 Geneva Convention or 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Document for Pakistan — picked for you, so you don't have to decide.
We handle the paperwork
Your dedicated expert checks your documents, prepares the application, and files it correctly with the authorized agency.
Review by a real person
A dedicated expert reviews your submission — not a bot.
Track every step
Live dashboard + email/SMS updates from submission until your International Driving Document is in hand.
Pakistan driving rules at a glance
- Side of road
- Left
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Speed limit — urban
- 50 km/h
- Speed limit — rural
- 80–100 km/h
- Speed limit — motorway/highway
- 100–120 km/h
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.03% — confirm with local authorities
- Seatbelts
- Mandatory for driver and front-seat passengers
- Helmet
- Mandatory for all two-wheeler riders
- Mobile phone
- Illegal to use while driving unless hands-free
- Emergency number
- 15 (police), 1122 (ambulance) — confirm current numbers with local authorities
- Headlights
- Required at night and in reduced visibility
Documents required to drive in Pakistan
What police and rental counters expect you to carry, every time you drive.
- Valid foreign driving licenceMust be valid and cover the vehicle class you plan to drive
- 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Document or 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving DocumentMust be carried alongside your foreign licence — not a replacement for it
- PassportRequired for identification at all times
- Valid Pakistani visa or visa exemptionMost nationalities need a visa before arrival — confirm with the nearest Pakistani embassy
- Vehicle registration documentsProvided by rental company
- Vehicle insurance certificateVerify the rental company's policy covers third-party liability
When you need a permit in Pakistan
How the requirement plays out, case by case.
Renting a car
Yes — most rental companies require it — Rental agencies expect a valid permit alongside your foreign licence
Driving a private vehicle
Strongly recommended — Police may request it at checkpoints; insurers expect it for claims
Short tourist visit
Yes — carry alongside your foreign licence — Carry both documents at all times
Staying longer than 1 year
No — you need a Pakistani driving licence — Convert through a local licensing authority after establishing residency
Frequently asked questions
Driving in Pakistan with a foreign licence, answered.
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.