International Driving Permit Philippines

Foreign visitors can drive in the Philippines on a valid English-language licence for up to 90 days, though an International Driving Permit is required if your licence isn't in English and is commonly requested by rental companies.

• A valid foreign driving licence in English lets you drive in the Philippines for up to 90 days from your arrival date, under the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, RA 4136.
• If your licence isn't in English, you'll need either an official embassy-certified translation or an International Driving Permit.
• Many rental companies require an IDP regardless of the legal minimum, especially outside major cities — it's worth having one ready even if your licence alone would technically qualify.
• Staying longer than 90 days means converting to a Philippine driver's licence through the LTO.
• The Philippines drives on the right, with the driver's seat on the left side of the vehicle — unlike Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

The Philippines drives on the right with road conditions and enforcement that vary noticeably by region, and speed limits, seatbelt rules, and cautious driving around motorbikes are the main adjustments for visitors.

• Speed limits vary by road type — typically up to 80 km/h on open roads, 40 km/h on boulevards, 30 km/h on city streets, and 20 km/h in school zones.Commonly reported
• The legal blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.05%.Commonly reported
• Using a handheld phone while driving isn't permitted — a hands-free kit is required.Commonly reported
• Road conditions, traffic enforcement, and driving standards vary significantly between Manila, other major cities, and more rural or island areas — stay cautious and avoid driving at night where possible.
• If you're involved in an accident, stay at the scene, exchange details, and report it to the nearest police station.Commonly reported

Car rental companies in the Philippines — including in Cebu, Boracay, and Palawan — often require an IDP as their own policy, even where the 90-day foreign-licence rule would otherwise apply.

• The legal minimum age to drive in the Philippines is 16, though rental companies commonly require drivers to be at least 21-23.Commonly reported
• Typical documents requested at pickup: your driver's licence, an IDP (frequently requested regardless of legal necessity), passport, and a credit card for the security deposit.Commonly reported
• Rental requirements can vary more by location than in some neighbouring countries — confirm specifics directly with your provider, particularly outside major cities.Commonly reported
• Requirements vary by rental company — confirm specifics with your provider before arrival.Commonly reported

The same rules apply to scooters and motorbikes as to cars — your English-language licence covers you for 90 days if it already includes a motorcycle category, and an IDP is worth having for rental convenience.

• Your IDP only shows a motorcycle category if your original licence already includes one — it can't add a category you don't hold at home.
• Helmets are mandatory for the rider and any pillion passenger.
• Boracay's main strip restricts most private vehicles in favour of e-trikes and golf carts, so scooter and car rental is more relevant to islands like Palawan and Cebu than to central Boracay itself.Commonly reported
• Confirm your travel insurance covers the engine size and vehicle type you plan to rent.Commonly reported
• Driving or riding without a valid licence and IDP where required can affect your travel insurance coverage if you're in an accident.

Keep your original driver's licence, passport, and your IDP (where relevant) together as your standard document set any time you're driving in the Philippines.

• Your passport helps confirm your arrival date, which is what determines whether your 90-day foreign-licence allowance still applies.
• Keep documents physically accessible (not just a photo on your phone) whenever you're driving.
• If your licence isn't in English, an IDP or certified translation is what makes it valid at a roadside check — your original licence alone in a non-Roman script isn't accepted.
• Routine checkpoints are common on Philippine roads, particularly around cities and transport hubs.Commonly reported