Can an American Drive in the Faroe Islands? — Yes, Same Side, IDP Advised

The Faroe Islands are a self-governing part of Denmark in the North Atlantic, and for an American visitor they make one of the easier European drives to get used to — partly because of a small detail that surprises people: you stay on the right, just like at home.

The verdict for American licence holders

You can drive in the Faroe Islands on your US licence for a visit, with an International Driving Permit advised to carry alongside it. Car-hire desks at Vágar airport and in Tórshavn prefer to see an IDP with your licence and passport, so pick one up before you fly. The licence is the simple part here.

No side switch — but the roads demand respect

Unlike Ireland or the UK a short hop away, the Faroes drive on the right, the same side as the United States, so there is none of the wrong-side reflex to manage. That is the good news. The challenge is the terrain: single-lane roads with passing places, long sub-sea tunnels (some tolled and one-way by section), steep gradients and weather that turns from clear to dense fog in minutes. Sheep on the road are a constant — they have right of way in practice, and you will brake for them often.

A low alcohol limit and changeable weather

The drink-drive limit is 0.05, below the 0.08 of most US states, so treat it as no alcohol before driving — these are not roads to attempt with any impairment. Headlights are typically required at all times, and you should plan for sudden rain, wind and fog even in summer.

Posted speed limits are not well documented in our data for the Faroes, so this page won’t quote urban or rural figures — drive to the road, the visibility and the tunnel signage rather than to a number. The emergency number is 112.

Before you collect the car

Confirm your paperwork with the Driving Permit Checker, and read the wider notes on our Faroe Islands driving guide. If you are renting, factor the tunnel tolls into your budget and check whether they are billed through the hire company — the Driving Fines Abroad — Who Pays guide explains how such charges reach you afterwards.