International Driving Permit in Cyprus 2026: Do You Need One, and How to Get One From the RTD

International Driving Permit in Cyprus 2026: Do You Need One, and How to Get One From the RTD

Whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Cyprus depends on where your licence was issued and how long you are staying: EU and EEA licence holders never need one, non-EU visitors may drive on their national licence for up to 30 days and on a valid IDP for the length of their stay, and residents holding a non-EU licence must exchange it within six months, which an IDP does not change. If you hold a Cyprus licence and want to drive outside Europe, the Road Transport Department (RTD) issues the IDP for €30, valid for 12 months. This guide covers both situations using Law 94(I)/2001 and the RTD's own pages. If your route to driving in Cyprus ends at the Cyprus test, start with our free Cyprus theory test practice.

Key takeaways

• EU or EEA licence: no IDP needed in Cyprus, whether you are visiting or living here.
• Non-EU licence, visiting: your national licence alone covers up to 30 days; a valid IDP issued under an international convention covers the length of your stay.
• Non-EU licence, resident: recognised for up to six months, then you must exchange it or pass the Cyprus test. GOV.UK states plainly that, for UK licences, an IDP cannot substitute for exchange.
• UK-issued licence: usable for up to six months, then it must be exchanged. An IDP cannot substitute. Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man licences cannot be exchanged at all.
• Cyprus licence holders: the RTD issues the IDP. Bring form TOM 26A (the form is in English), two 30 x 35 mm photos, your ID card and your Cyprus licence. Fee €30, valid 12 months.
• Visitors cannot get an IDP in Cyprus for a foreign licence. The RTD issues IDPs only to holders of a Cyprus licence, so arrange yours before you travel.

What is an International Driving Permit?

An IDP is an official translation of your national driving licence, not a licence in its own right. It only accompanies the national licence it translates and does not replace it.

Because it is only a translation, an IDP adds no entitlement of its own. The real question is never "do I have an IDP?" but "is my national licence recognised here, and for how long?"

Do you need an IDP to drive in Cyprus as a visitor?

If your licence was issued by an EU or EEA country, you do not need an IDP in Cyprus at any point. EU and EEA licences are recognised outright, whether you are here for a weekend or settling permanently, and exchanging for a Cyprus licence is optional.

If your licence was issued outside the EU and EEA, the rule turns on the length of your stay. Under section 45(2) of Law 94(I)/2001, a temporary visitor may drive on a valid foreign national licence for up to 30 days. Under section 45(1), a visitor holding a valid IDP issued under an international convention may drive for the duration of their stay. For a stay of 30 days or less, your national licence is enough in law; for a longer visit, a valid IDP issued under an international convention is what keeps you covered.

Check your hire company's own requirements before you travel.

What if you hold a UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man licence?

According to GOV.UK's Living in Cyprus guidance, licences issued in the UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man can be used in Cyprus for up to six months. After that, a UK-issued licence must be exchanged for a Cyprus licence, and an IDP cannot substitute for that exchange.

Licences from Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man cannot be exchanged at all. If you hold one and become resident in Cyprus, you will need to pass the Cyprus test to keep driving after the six months. Our guide to exchanging a foreign driving licence in Cyprus explains the exchange documents and the 185-day residence requirement.

Does an IDP help if you are moving to Cyprus?

No. The law gives residents no longer period because they hold an IDP. A non-EU licence is recognised for up to six months under section 20 of the law, after which it must be exchanged; the RTD requires 185 days' residence in Cyprus (the legal test of normal residence) before it will exchange a licence. Exchange without a test is open only to holders of licences from countries listed in the Commissioner's Gazette notification; everyone else takes the Cyprus test.

Two practical points follow. First, for UK licences GOV.UK is explicit that an IDP cannot substitute for exchange, and the Cyprus law gives no separate grace period to IDP holders who are resident. Second, if your licence cannot be exchanged, use the six months to prepare. The free Cyprus theory test practice covers the rules you will be examined on, the Cyprus road signs gallery covers every sign, and our essential rules and tips for new drivers in Cyprus covers what changes once you are behind the wheel here. For categories, ages, fees and validity in one place, read the Cyprus driving licence guide. ExamReady is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with the RTD or the Government of Cyprus.

Can a visitor get an IDP in Cyprus for a foreign licence?

No. The RTD issues IDPs only to holders of a valid Cyprus driving licence. Arrange one before you travel, because the RTD will not issue one against a foreign licence.

Who issues the IDP for Cyprus licence holders?

The Road Transport Department, through the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, issues the international driving licence under section 43 of Law 94(I)/2001. The only eligibility condition is that you hold a valid Cyprus driving licence.

The permit is meant for driving in non-European countries that are party to the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.

What documents do you need and how much does it cost?

Bring four things: application form TOM 26A (the form is in English), two photographs measuring 30 x 35 mm, your identity card, and your Cyprus driving licence. The photo size is smaller than the 45 x 35 mm photos used for a learner's or full licence application, so do not assume spare photos from an earlier application will do.

The fee is €30, as set out in the RTD's fee announcement of 2 June 2026. Your Cyprus licence must be valid when you apply. If it is close to expiry, deal with the renewal of your Cyprus driving licence first, because the IDP lapses if the licence behind it is suspended or cancelled.

Where do you apply for a Cyprus IDP?

Apply in person at an RTD District Office, a Citizen Service Centre (KEP) or a KEPO post-office counter. The RTD headquarters is at 27 Vasileos Pavlou, 2412 Engomi, Nicosia, open 07:30-15:00; telephone +357 22807000; email [email protected]. Contact the RTD if you are unsure which counter nearest you handles IDP applications.

How long is a Cyprus IDP valid?

A Cyprus IDP is valid for one year (12 months). It also ends early if you are disqualified from driving or if your Cyprus licence is suspended or cancelled, because the permit only ever reflects the licence it translates. Carry both documents together abroad.

If you travel outside Europe regularly, treat the IDP as an annual renewal alongside your other travel documents, and check the destination country's own rules. Cyprus can only tell you what it issues, not what another country accepts at its border.

Official sources

• RTD: International driving licence (eligibility, form TOM 26A, photos, validity, where to apply)
• RTD: fee announcement of 2 June 2026 (the €30 international driving licence fee)
• RTD: Exchange of a foreign driving licence (six-month recognition, residence, exchange documents)
• GOV.UK: Living in Cyprus (UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man licences)
• Law 94(I)/2001, sections 20, 43 and 45, consolidated on cylaw.org (recognition of foreign licences, the international driving licence, and visitors).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Cyprus with an EU licence?

No. EU and EEA licences are recognised in Cyprus without an IDP, for visits and for residence alike. Exchanging for a Cyprus licence is optional.

How long can I drive in Cyprus on a non-EU licence?

As a temporary visitor, up to 30 days on your national licence alone under section 45(2) of the law, or for the length of your stay if you also hold a valid IDP issued under an international convention. As a resident, your licence is recognised for up to six months, after which you must exchange it or pass the Cyprus test.

Can I use an IDP instead of exchanging my UK licence?

No. GOV.UK states that a UK-issued licence can be used in Cyprus for up to six months and must then be exchanged, and that an IDP cannot substitute for the exchange.

Can I get an IDP in Cyprus for my foreign licence?

No. The RTD issues IDPs only to holders of a valid Cyprus licence. Arrange yours before you travel.

Where do I get an IDP for my Cyprus licence, and what does it cost?

From the Road Transport Department, in person at an RTD District Office, a Citizen Service Centre (KEP) or a KEPO post-office counter. Bring form TOM 26A (the form is in English), two 30 x 35 mm photos, your ID card and your Cyprus licence. The fee is €30.

How long is a Cyprus IDP valid?

One year (12 months). It lapses earlier if you are disqualified or your Cyprus licence is suspended or cancelled.

Which countries is a Cyprus IDP for?

The RTD issues it for use in non-European countries party to the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. For any other destination, check that country's own rules on foreign licences before you travel.