Saudi Arabia sets 1-year limit for foreign drivers using international licences

Dubai: The General Directorate of Traffic in Saudi Arabia has issued new clarifications regarding the conditions under which foreign visitors may drive using international or foreign driving licences.

According to the authority, visitors may use an international or foreign licence to drive in the Kingdom for up to one year from their date of entry, or until the licence expires — whichever comes first.

One key condition is that the licence must correspond to the category of the vehicle being driven. In addition, all foreign licences must be translated by an accredited body to ensure the accuracy and clarity of information.

However, these rules do not apply to citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

For GCC residents, the Traffic Department confirmed that they may drive in Saudi Arabia using a valid licence issued in their home country, without requiring a temporary Saudi licence. They can continue to use that licence for its full validity period.

That said, the authority clarified that international driving permits issued within GCC countries are not valid for cross-border driving within GCC states, including in Saudi Arabia.