License RequirementsUK Licence in Greece 2026: No IDP, but Mind the Scooter
A UK photocard licence is enough in Greece - gov.uk lists no IDP requirement - and it covers you for 12 months. A scooter or quad still needs the motorcycle category on it.
You can drive in Greece with a UK licence. However, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. Your license is valid for up to 12 months.
Now on the right — and watch the island scooters
Post-Brexit your UK licence is valid for visits to Greece and an IDP is only recommended. The first adjustment is that Greece drives on the right, the opposite of home — straightforward on the motorways, but worth concentrating on around town. The classic trap is the islands: on Santorini, Mykonos, Crete and the rest, the scooter and quad-bike (ATV) rentals are everywhere, and to ride one legally your licence must cover the motorcycle category (an IDP helps prove it). Police do check, accidents are common, and travel insurance can refuse a claim if you were riding a category you’re not licensed for. Hire a car for touring, and think hard before jumping on a rental scooter.
UK License Validity in Greece
While Greece does not strictly require an IDP for British visitors, it is strongly recommended.
Having an IDP avoids potential communication issues with local authorities and simplifies the car rental process.
How Long Can You Drive?
Visitors from the UK can drive on their home license for up to 12 months in Greece.
After this period, you will need to apply for a local driving license.
Post-Brexit Note
UK licences are still recognized in Greece after Brexit. However, carrying an IDP provides extra certainty.
Important Notes
EU/EEA licences valid. IDP required for non-Latin-script licences.
Other Driving Rules to Know
- Motorway speed limit: 130 km/h
- Urban speed limit: 30 km/h — the new road traffic code (n. 5209/2025) cut the built-up-area default from 50
- Rural speed limit: 90 km/h
- Blood alcohol limit: 0.05 BAC — below England and Wales, where the limit is 80 mg per 100 ml
- Driving side: Right
- Minimum driving age: 17
Confirm licence validity for your trip
Check Permit RequirementsWhat Most Guides Don’t Tell You
What Happens at the Rental Desk
Legally you do not need an IDP in Greece — gov.uk lists no requirement for Greece — but a rental desk may still ask. If you want one in the folder, it costs GBP 5.50 over the counter at a shop with PayPoint; the Post Office stopped issuing them, and no UK outlet can sell you one after you have left the country.
If You Are Stopped by Police
Police in Greece can issue on-the-spot fines. Present your licence, IDP (if carried), passport and rental agreement. Officers are generally helpful with tourists, but missing documents can trigger a formal report.
The Duration Trap
Your home licence is valid for 12 months in Greece. After that, you must apply for a local licence. Overstaying and driving on an expired foreign licence makes you uninsured and liable for a fine.
If you plan a long stay, start the local licence application early. The process often involves a medical check, a theory test in the local language, and significant waiting times.
Driving Age Mismatch
The minimum driving age in Greece is 17. If your home country issues licences at a younger age, your licence is not valid here until you reach the local threshold.
This also affects minimum rental age. Most agencies in Greece require drivers to be at least 21, and charge a young-driver surcharge up to age 25.
Digital Licences
Greece does not accept digital or smartphone-based driving licences. You must carry the physical card. A screenshot of your licence is not a valid document.
How Greece Compares
| Country | IDP Required | EU Licence Valid | Max Stay | Driving Side |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greece | Recommended | Yes | 12 months | Right |
| Turkey | Required | Yes | 6 months | Right |
| Italy | Recommended | Yes | 12 months | Right |
| Bulgaria | Recommended | Yes | 12 months | Right |
| Albania | Recommended | Yes | 12 months | Right |
Key Facts at a Glance
| Country | Greece |
| IDP requirement | Recommended |
| EU licence valid | Yes |
| Max stay on foreign licence | 12 months |
| Minimum driving age | 17 |
| Driving side | Right |
| Urban speed limit | 30 km/h |
| Blood alcohol limit | 0.05 |
| Emergency number | 100 (police), 112 (general) |
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Related Questions
An IDP is not mandatory but strongly recommended for British drivers in Greece.
You can drive for up to 12 months in Greece with a valid UK license.
You do not need one for Greece - gov.uk lists no IDP requirement for a UK photocard licence. If you want one anyway, it is sold over the counter for GBP 5.50 at shops carrying PayPoint, not at the Post Office, and you cannot get one once you have left the UK.