Can I Drive in Saudi Arabia with My GCC or International Driving License? A Guide for Visitors
Driving License in Saudi Arabia with GCC or International
Driving License in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a popular destination for GCC residents, and many visitors may want to know if they can drive in the Kingdom using their GCC or international driving license.
The answer is yes, GCC residents can use their driving license to drive in the GCC, including Saudi Arabia.
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Additionally, last year, Saudi Arabia introduced a new service that allows visitors to drive rented cars in the Kingdom.
Using GCC Driving License in Saudi Arabia
As a GCC resident, you can use your driving license to drive in the GCC, including Saudi Arabia.
This applies to residents of the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman. This means you can rent a car in the Kingdom and drive it using your GCC driving license.
New Service for Renting Cars in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia introduced a new service last year that allows visitors to drive rented cars in the Kingdom.
The service is available on the Absher platform of the Ministry of Interior, which allows car rental companies to authorize visitors to drive in Saudi Arabia on the basis of the visitor border number.
Documents Required for Renting a Car in Saudi Arabia
According to rental companies, GCC residents need to bring the following documents while visiting Saudi Arabia in order to rent a car in the Kingdom:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| GCC resident ID | Proof of GCC residency, usually a national ID card or passport. |
| Original driving license issued in the GCC | A valid driving license issued by a GCC country, such as UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, or Oman. |
| Copy of Saudi Arabia’s visa | A copy of the visitor’s visa to Saudi Arabia, showing the valid entry dates. |
| Credit card for the payment of the fee | A credit card for the payment of the rental fee and any additional charges. |
Validity of GCC Driving License in Saudi Arabia
According to Article 42 of the Traffic Law in Saudi Arabia, an international and foreign driving license shall be valid for 1 year, from the date of entry into the Kingdom or until the license expires, whichever is earlier.
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Conclusion
GCC residents can use their driving license to drive in the GCC, including Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has introduced a new service that allows visitors to drive rented cars in the Kingdom.
GCC residents need to bring their GCC resident ID, original driving license issued in the GCC, copy of Saudi Arabia’s visa, and credit card to rent a car in the Kingdom.
The validity of the GCC driving license in Saudi Arabia is 1 year from the date of entry or until the license expires, whichever is earlier.
