Bahrain License Recognition: Which Countries Welcome Bahraini Drivers?

If you're planning to drive outside of Bahrain, it's important to know which countries recognize your Bahraini driving license. Around 40 countries directly accept a Bahraini driving license, while an additional 100 countries accept it when accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP). This document is a translation of your national driving license, allowing you to drive in foreign countries that may not have the same language.

Countries that accept a Bahrain driving licence without an International Driving Permit (IDP)

A Bahraini driving licence is accepted in several countries without the need for an International Driving Permit (IDP). Here is a list of some of the major countries that accept a Bahraini driving licence for varying periods:

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries

• Saudi Arabia: Bahraini driving licences are accepted indefinitely for short-term visits with no need for conversion.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE): A Bahraini driving licence can be used for up to 90 days. A conversion may be required for residency.
• Oman: Oman accepts a Bahraini licence without conversion for short visits.
• Kuwait: Kuwait recognises a Bahraini driving licence for up to 6 months. A local permit is necessary for longer stays.
• Qatar: Similar to Kuwait, Qatar accepts a Bahraini licence for up to 6 months. Longer stays require a local conversion.

European Countries

• United Kingdom: A Bahraini driving licence is valid in the UK for up to 12 months. After this period, you must obtain a UK licence if you become a resident.
• Germany: Germany recognises a Bahraini driving licence for a period of up to 6 months. Conversion to a German licence is required for longer stays.
• France: France accepts Bahraini driving licences for 1 year for tourists. For those planning to reside in France, a conversion to a French licence is necessary after this period.
• Italy: Similar to France, Italy accepts a Bahraini driving licence for up to 1 year for tourists. Conversion to an Italian licence is required for residents.
• The Netherlands: The Netherlands accepts the Bahraini driving licence for tourists for up to 6 months. Long-term residents must convert to a Dutch licence.
• Spain: Spain permits driving with a Bahraini licence for a period of 6 months. A local driving permit is required for longer stays.

Other Countries

• United States: Acceptance of a Bahraini driving licence varies across states. Generally, tourists can drive with a Bahraini licence for a period ranging from 30 days to 1 year. Residents usually need to obtain a state-specific driving licence.
• Canada: Similar to the US, Canada generally accepts a Bahraini driving licence for up to 3 months for tourists. Conversion to a Canadian licence is often required for residents, but regulations vary across provinces.
• Australia: A Bahraini driving licence is valid for up to 3 months for tourists. After this period, a conversion to an Australian licence is necessary for residents.
• New Zealand: New Zealand accepts a Bahraini driving licence for tourists for up to 12 months. A local driving permit is required for those planning to reside in New Zealand for longer periods.
• South Africa: South Africa accepts a Bahraini driving licence for a period of 12 months. Longer stays require a local driving permit.

It is important to note that while a Bahraini driving licence is recognised in many countries, some countries may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a local licence conversion for extended stays. Always check the latest regulations and requirements of your destination country before travelling.

Countries that accept a Bahrain driving licence with an IDP

A Bahrain driving licence is recognised in several countries under international agreements such as the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Around 40 countries directly accept a Bahraini driving licence, while an additional 100 countries accept it when accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries

• Saudi Arabia: Indefinitely accepts a Bahraini driving licence for short-term visits with no conversion needed.
• United Arab Emirates: Allows the use of a Bahraini driving licence for up to 90 days; a conversion may be required for residency.
• Oman: Accepts a Bahraini driving licence without conversion for short visits.
• Kuwait: Recognises a Bahraini driving licence for up to 6 months; a local permit is required for longer stays.
• Qatar: Accepts a Bahraini driving licence for up to 6 months; longer stays require a local conversion.

European Countries

• United Kingdom: A Bahraini driving licence is valid for up to 12 months. After that, you must obtain a UK licence if you become a resident.
• Germany: Recognises a Bahraini driving licence for up to 6 months. A conversion is required after this period.
• France: Accepts a Bahraini driving licence for 1 year for tourists; residents must convert afterwards.
• Italy: Valid for up to 1 year for tourists; conversion is needed for residents.
• The Netherlands: Accepts a Bahraini driving licence for up to 6 months for tourists; conversion is required for long-term residents.
• Spain: Allows driving with a Bahraini licence for 6 months; a local permit is required after this period.

Other Countries

• Canada: Generally valid for 3 months for tourists. Conversion is often required for residents, but regulations vary by province.
• Australia: Valid for up to 3 months for tourists. After that, you must convert your licence if you become a resident.
• Singapore: Allows the use of a Bahraini driving licence for up to 12 months; an IDP or conversion is necessary after this period.
• Malaysia: Accepts a Bahraini driving licence for up to 3 months; an IDP is recommended for longer stays.
• New Zealand: Accepts a Bahraini driving licence for up to 12 months for tourists. Residents must obtain a local permit after this period.
• Thailand: Recognises a Bahraini driving licence for up to 90 days; an IDP is recommended for extended stays.
• South Africa: Accepts a Bahraini driving licence for 12 months; longer stays require a local permit.

It is important to note that the acceptance of a Bahraini driving licence may vary depending on the country and the duration of your stay. Always check the latest regulations and requirements of your destination country before travelling.

How to get an IDP in Bahrain

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your national driving license that allows you to drive in foreign countries. It is highly advised to obtain an IDP when travelling to a country where your license is not in the local language.

• Visit the website of the Bahrain Traffic Department.
• Gather the necessary documents: a valid driver's license, a valid ID card, and a personal photo (optional).
• Follow the instructions provided by the Bahrain Traffic Department.
• Wait for your IDP to be processed. The standard processing time is 1 working day.
• Your IDP will be valid for one year. Make sure to renew it if you wish to use it for longer.

Please note that you must always carry your IDP along with your national license when driving abroad.

How long is a Bahrain driving licence valid for in other countries?

A Bahrain driving licence is valid in approximately 40 countries, and when accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP), it is accepted in an additional 100 countries. The IDP is a translation of your national driving licence into 12 major world languages and is typically valid for one to three years.

• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries:
• Saudi Arabia: Accepted indefinitely for short-term visits with no conversion needed.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE): Allowed for up to 90 days; conversion may be required for residency.
• Oman: Accepted without conversion for short visits.
• Kuwait: Recognised for up to six months; a local permit is required for longer stays.
• Qatar: Accepted for up to six months; longer stays require local conversion.
• European Countries:
• United Kingdom: Valid for up to 12 months; after that, a UK licence is required for residents.
• Germany: Recognised for up to six months; conversion is required thereafter.
• France: Accepted for one year for tourists; residents must convert after that.
• Italy: Valid for up to one year for tourists; conversion is needed for residents.
• The Netherlands: Accepted for up to six months for tourists; conversion is mandatory for long-term residents.
• Spain: Allowed for six months; a local permit is required subsequently.
• Other Countries:
• United States: Acceptance varies by state, but generally, Bahrain licences are valid for tourists for a period ranging from 30 days to one year. Residents typically need to convert to a state-specific licence.
• Canada: Similar to the US, it is generally valid for three months for tourists. Conversion is often mandated for residents, but regulations vary across provinces.
• Australia: Valid for up to three months for tourists. After this period, residents must convert their licence.
• Singapore: Visitors can use the Bahrain driver's licence for up to 12 months; afterwards, an IDP or conversion is necessary.
• Malaysia: The Bahrain licence is accepted for three months; an IDP is recommended for an extended stay.
• Japan: Does not accept Bahrain licences directly; an IDP is mandatory to drive legally.
• New Zealand: Accepted for up to 12 months for tourists. Residents must obtain a local permit after this period.
• Thailand: Recognised for 90 days; an IDP is suggested for longer visits.
• South Africa: Accepted for 12 months; longer stays necessitate a local permit.

It is important to note that the validity period of a Bahrain driving licence in other countries may differ based on bilateral agreements and can change over time. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the latest regulations and requirements of your destination country before travelling. Additionally, some countries may have specific insurance requirements or mandate that you carry an IDP or other documentation.

Requirements for driving with a Bahrain licence in another country

If you hold a Bahraini driving licence, you may be able to use it to drive in other countries. However, the requirements for driving with a Bahrain licence vary depending on the country you are visiting. Here are the key requirements to keep in mind:

Validity of Your Bahrain Licence

Firstly, ensure that your Bahraini driver's licence is valid and has not expired. The validity period of a Bahrain Driving Licence typically ranges from one to ten years, depending on the type of licence and the holder's age. Check the expiry date on your licence before travelling to ensure it remains valid throughout your trip.

Identification Documents

When driving internationally, always carry your passport or national ID along with your Bahraini driver's licence. These documents will be essential for identification purposes and may be required by local authorities or car rental agencies.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a valuable document to have when driving abroad. It is a translation of your native licence into multiple languages, making it easier for authorities in foreign countries to understand your driving credentials. While not always legally required, an IDP is highly recommended, especially if your licence is not in English or Arabic. Car rental companies in some countries may also request to see your IDP in addition to your native licence.

Insurance

Ensure that you have valid car insurance that meets the local requirements of the country you are visiting. The specific insurance requirements may vary, so it is important to research the regulations of your destination country in advance.

Country-Specific Requirements

The acceptance of a Bahraini driving licence varies from country to country. Some countries may allow short-term use of a Bahraini licence, while others may require a local licence or an IDP for extended stays. Here are some examples:

• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries: In Saudi Arabia, a Bahraini driving licence is accepted indefinitely for short-term visits with no conversion needed. In the UAE, it can be used for up to 90 days, after which a conversion may be required for residency. Oman accepts the licence without conversion for short visits. Kuwait and Qatar recognise the licence for up to 6 months, but a local permit or conversion is necessary for longer stays.
• European Countries: The United Kingdom accepts a Bahraini licence for up to 12 months. After that, you must obtain a UK licence if you become a resident. Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands allow the use of a Bahraini licence for 6 months to 1 year for tourists, but conversion is required for longer stays or residency.
• Other Countries: The acceptance of a Bahraini licence in the United States varies by state, generally ranging from 30 days to 1 year for tourists. Canada, Australia, and Malaysia typically accept the licence for 3 months for tourists, with varying requirements for residents. Singapore accepts the licence for up to 12 months, after which an IDP or conversion is necessary. Japan does not accept Bahraini licences directly, and an IDP is required to drive legally.

Before travelling to a specific country, be sure to check the latest regulations and requirements by contacting local embassies or transportation authorities. This will help you ensure a smooth driving experience during your trip.

Frequently asked questions