New Urgent Advice For Uk Tourists Heading To Spain To Ensure They Have The Nearly Six Pounds International Permit Before Hiring A Car

Published on August 29, 2025

UK drivers readying to rent a car successful Spain are urged to cheque whether they request an world driving licence (IDP), costing astir six pounds, earlier hiring a vehicle. While Spain itself does not instruction nan permit, definite car rental companies whitethorn still require it. To debar immoderate last-minute complications aliases ineligible issues, it’s important for motorists to corroborate nan licence requirements successful advance, ensuring a soft and hassle-free driving acquisition during their trip.

Important Travel Advice for Drivers Planning to Rent a Car successful Spain and Beyond

Hiring a car for a vacation tin make exploring a caller destination overmuch easier, particularly if you are staying successful much distant areas. However, earlier you caput retired connected nan unfastened roadworthy successful different country, it’s important to understand nan section driving regulations and whether you request immoderate typical permits. Spain, a favourite vacation destination for many, is 1 state wherever drivers are being urged to guarantee they are complying pinch nan basal ineligible requirements, peculiarly erstwhile it comes to driving permits.

Understanding nan Legalities of Driving Abroad

Many UK travellers flock to Spain for its beautiful upwind and proximity, pinch short, affordable flights making it a celebrated choice. However, earlier renting a car successful Spain, it’s basal to verify whether you request an International Driving Permit (IDP), alongside your accustomed driving documents. According to nan DVLA, obtaining an IDP whitethorn beryllium basal successful definite situations.

An IDP is an charismatic translator of your UK driving licence, allowing you to thrust successful countries wherever your modular UK licence whitethorn not beryllium recognised. The request for an IDP tin dangle connected nan destination, nan magnitude of stay, and moreover nan circumstantial car prosecute company’s policies. It’s besides important to statement that insubstantial driving licences are not accepted for IDP applications, meaning only photocard licences tin beryllium utilized to apply.

Do You Need an IDP successful Spain?

When it comes to driving successful Spain, nan DVLA clarifies that an IDP is not a ineligible request for UK drivers. However, definite car rental companies whitethorn still require an IDP arsenic portion of their position and conditions. This intends that while Spain itself does not instruction an IDP, drivers whitethorn beryllium caught disconnected defender if they person not checked pinch their chosen rental provider. It’s important to corroborate whether nan car prosecute institution insists connected 1 earlier booking a vehicle.

For those who do request an IDP, obtaining 1 is simply a straightforward process. A modular IDP costs astir £5.50, and it is disposable for UK drivers who clasp a valid photocard aliases insubstantial driving licence. These tin beryllium obtained astatine PayPoint stores, providing a convenient solution for those preparing for a trip.

Types of IDPs and Which One to Choose

There are 3 main types of IDPs, each covering different countries and regions. The astir communal version, nan 1949 IDP, is typically capable for driving successful galore countries, including Spain. However, for definite destinations specified arsenic Italy and nan United States, you whitethorn request to use for nan 1926 aliases 1968 versions, which connection further sum for circumstantial regulations successful these regions.

It’s basal to take nan correct type of IDP based connected nan countries you scheme to thrust in. While nan 1949 IDP is valid successful astir places, verifying nan requirements for each destination beforehand tin thief guarantee you’re afloat prepared and debar immoderate surprises upon arrival.

When Is an IDP Not Required?

UK drivers pinch a photocard driving licence do not require an IDP erstwhile driving successful nan EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, aliases Liechtenstein. This makes it easier for travellers successful these areas, arsenic nan modular UK driving licence is recognised without nan request for further paperwork.

However, if you clasp a insubstantial driving licence aliases a licence issued successful Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, aliases nan Isle of Man, you whitethorn request to use for an IDP successful definite countries, including immoderate wrong nan EU. To debar disorder and guarantee compliance, it’s ever recommended to cheque pinch nan embassy aliases consulate of nan state you scheme to thrust in.

Stay Prepared and Avoid Fines

To forestall immoderate unexpected issues aliases fines while driving abroad, make judge to person each basal documents successful manus earlier you travel. Whether aliases not you request an IDP for your travel to Spain aliases elsewhere, it’s captious to investigation nan regulations for your destination, including requirements from car prosecute companies. Always corroborate your paperwork up of time, arsenic not doing truthful tin consequence successful delays, added costs, aliases moreover being turned distant erstwhile trying to rent a vehicle.

While driving successful Spain and galore different European destinations whitethorn not require an IDP, confirming this pinch your rental institution is basal to guarantee your vacation goes smoothly. By staying informed and preparing successful advance, you tin bask your driving acquisition without encountering immoderate ineligible hurdles.