Driving in the Philippines: International Driving Document requirements for visitors
Start Express ApplicationVisitors driving in the Philippines need a valid International Driving Document alongside their home-country driving licence. The Philippines accepts both the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Document. The country drives on the right. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Because the Philippines is a major archipelago, island-hopping by ferry and roll-on/roll-off vessels is common for self-drive itineraries.
the Philippines at a glance
- Permit type
- International Driving Document
- Side of road
- Right
- How long it is valid
- 1 year (Geneva) or up to 3 years (Vienna)
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.05%
- Emergency number
- 117 (police emergency); 911 also works in many areas
How to get your permit for the Philippines
You do the first step; a dedicated expert does the rest.
Tell us your destination
The Philippines + your nationality. ~30 seconds.
We confirm what you need
A 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Document — 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.
the Philippines driving rules at a glance
- Side of road
- Right
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Speed limit — urban
- 40 km/h typical; confirm posted signs
- Speed limit — expressway
- 80–100 km/h typical; confirm posted signs
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.05%
- Seatbelts
- Mandatory for front-seat occupants; rear seatbelts where fitted
- Helmet
- Mandatory for motorcycle and scooter riders
- Mobile phone
- Illegal to use handheld while driving
- Emergency number
- 117 (police emergency); 911 also works in many areas
- Headlights
- Required at night and in poor visibility
Documents required to drive in the Philippines
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 Document1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna accepted
- PassportRequired for identification
- Valid Philippine visa or visa exemptionMany nationalities receive visa-free entry for tourism
- Vehicle registration documentsProvided by rental company for rentals
- Compulsory insuranceMandatory for vehicles in the Philippines
When you need a permit in the Philippines
How the requirement plays out, case by case.
Renting a car
Yes — most rental companies require it — Confirm with the rental company at booking
Driving a private vehicle
Yes — police may request it at checkpoints — Carry permit and original licence
Short tourist visit
Yes — carry alongside foreign licence — Typically valid for the duration of a tourist stay
Staying long-term
Check local requirements — Residency-based licences may require conversion
Frequently asked questions
Driving in the Philippines with a foreign licence, answered.
More for your the Philippines trip
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.