Can a Norwegian Drive in Egypt? — Yes, but IDP Required and the Roads Are Chaotic

For Norwegian visitors the gap between home and Egypt is wide: not in the licence rules, which are straightforward, but in the character of the roads themselves.

Can you drive in Egypt on a Norwegian licence?

Yes, with an International Driving Permit carried alongside it. Norway and Egypt both joined the 1949 Geneva Convention in 1957, and the permit issued under it is the one Egyptian police and hire desks expect. The UK government tells its own drivers to carry the 1949 IDP with their licence, and Canada gives the same advice. Arrange it in Norway before you fly, because it cannot be issued in Egypt, and keep it with your licence and passport: police check ID regularly.

The roads are a world away from Norway

After Norway’s quiet, well-marked roads the contrast is dramatic. The UK Foreign Office says accidents are common because of variable road conditions, dangerous driving and poor enforcement. Lane markings are widely ignored, right of way is negotiated on the move, and the horn is the main signalling tool. Cairo is the most demanding. The same advice is to avoid driving outside the main cities and resorts at night, and many visitors who could legally drive choose a car with a driver instead.

Alcohol: no number to lean on

The WHO road safety profile lists no numeric blood-alcohol limit for Egypt, and the UK Foreign Office warns that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can bring a fine and imprisonment. Norway already holds drivers to 0.2 per mille; here, drink nothing at all if you are driving.

Speeds and staying safe

Egypt reports 60 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads and 100 km/h on motorways to the WHO, though real traffic rarely matches the signs. The genuine hazards are junctions, unlit vehicles and pedestrians, especially after dark; keep plenty of space.

Read more on our Egypt driving guide and check other trips with the Driving Permit Checker. Emergency numbers: police 122, ambulance 123, fire 180, tourist police 126.

Sources

• UN Treaty Collection, 1949 Convention on Road Traffic (Norway 1957, Egypt 1957): treaties.un.org
• GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Egypt, safety and security (1949 IDP with the licence; accidents; night driving; drink-driving fine and imprisonment): gov.uk
• GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Egypt, getting help (police 122, ambulance 123, fire 180, tourist police 126): gov.uk
• Global Affairs Canada, Egypt travel advice (carry an IDP; road conditions): travel.gc.ca
• WHO Global status report on road safety 2023, Egypt profile (60/90/100 km/h; no numeric BAC limit listed): who.int
• Vegtrafikkloven §22 (0.2 per mille in Norway): lovdata.no