Palestine on a UK Licence 2026: 1968 IDP and Insurance Check
United Kingdom
Palestine
Yes, with the 1968 international driving permit and your UK licence in the car, as GOV.UK requires, plus a green card for insurance. Check that hire cover includes the West Bank.
Before planning any drive in the Palestinian territories, read the current FCDO travel advice. Conditions, access and checkpoints change. The document rules are set out in GOV.UK’s combined advice for Israel and Palestine.
Permit and insurance
GOV.UK says: “You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” The permit is required, and it is only sold in the UK, so get it before you fly. GOV.UK also says you must carry a green card proving minimum insurance cover. Keep the IDP, licence, green card and passport together, because document checks at checkpoints are routine.
Insurance is the trap most visitors miss. GOV.UK says: “If you want to drive across into the West Bank, check your insurance will cover you there. Some hire companies do not insure vehicles taken there.” It suggests that hiring a fully insured car from a company in East Jerusalem may be easier.
Right-hand traffic
The UK drives on the left. Here you drive on the right, so everything is mirrored: which way you look first, which side you overtake on, how roundabouts flow. Drive a slow loop somewhere quiet before heading into busy towns.
Road conditions
GOV.UK reports frequent road accidents caused by erratic driving and poor vehicle maintenance, and radar speed traps with heavy fines. It says hitchhiking is not safe. For desert trips, it advises going with others, taking water and a phone, and telling someone your route and return time.
Emergency numbers
Police 100, ambulance 101, fire 102.
Confirm your paperwork with the Driving Permit Checker, and read Driving Fines Abroad: Who Pays to see how penalties can follow you home.
Sources
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Palestine, safety and security (1968 IDP, green card, West Bank insurance): https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/palestine/safety-and-security
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Palestine, getting help (emergency numbers): https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/palestine/getting-help
Speed limits, fines, equipment & license requirements
Your home country driving rules for reference
Renting a Car?
Compare prices from all major rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
Compare Car Rental PricesSome links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How our affiliate links work.
More Free Tools
Explore TyreMap
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but GOV.UK says you need both the 1968 international driving permit and your UK licence with you in the car. The IDP is only sold in the UK. Read the current FCDO advice before any trip.
Not always. GOV.UK says some hire companies do not insure vehicles taken into the West Bank, and that it may be easier to hire a fully insured car from a company in East Jerusalem.
The right, the opposite of the UK. Junctions, roundabouts and overtaking are all mirrored, so take your first hours on quiet roads.