Driving in Vietnam: International Driving Document requirements for visitors
Start Express ApplicationVisitors to Vietnam need a 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Document alongside their valid foreign driving licence if their licence was issued outside the EU/EEA. Vietnam drives on the right. Urban speed limit is 40 km/h, rural 60–80 km/h, highway up to 100–120 km/h. Blood alcohol limit is 0.08%.
Vietnam at a glance
- Permit type
- Vienna Convention International Driving Document
- Side of road
- Right (overtake on the left. Same as France, Italy, Germany, the US.)
- How long it is valid
- Up to 3 years
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.08% — checkpoints are common, especially at night
- Emergency number
- 113 (police), 115 (ambulance)
How to get your permit for Vietnam
You do the first step; a dedicated expert does the rest.
Tell us your destination
Vietnam + your nationality. ~30 seconds.
We confirm what you need
A 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Document for Vietnam — 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.
Vietnam driving rules at a glance
- Side of road
- Right (overtake on the left. Same as France, Italy, Germany, the US.)
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Speed limit — urban
- 40 km/h
- Speed limit — rural
- 60–80 km/h
- Speed limit — highway
- 100–120 km/h
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.08% — checkpoints are common, especially at night
- Seatbelts
- Mandatory for all passengers
- Helmet
- Mandatory for all motorcycle and scooter riders
- Mobile phone
- Hands-free only
- Emergency number
- 113 (police), 115 (ambulance)
Documents required to drive in Vietnam
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
- 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving DocumentMust be carried alongside your foreign licence
- PassportRequired for identification at all times
- Valid visa or visa exemptionMost nationalities need a visa; check requirements
- Vehicle registration documentsProvided by rental company
- Third-party liability insurance certificateMandatory in Vietnam — rental cars include this
When you need a permit in Vietnam
How the requirement plays out, case by case.
EU/EEA licence holder
No — Valid for duration of visit
Non-EU licence holder
Yes — Required by law — must be 1968 Vienna Convention type
Licence not in English
Yes — Needed as translation
Renting a car or motorbike
Yes for non-EU holders — Rental companies enforce this
Driving a private vehicle
Yes for non-EU holders — Police request it at checkpoints
Short tourist visit
Depends on licence origin — EU/EEA = no; others = yes
Staying longer than 1 year
Yes — You must convert to a Vietnamese driving licence
Frequently asked questions
Driving in Vietnam 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.