Today we will discuss the requirements and restrictions for driving in Saudi Arabia with a Philippines driver’s license.
Saudi Arabia is a popular destination for tourists and expatriates alike. As such, many people are interested in driving in Saudi Arabia, especially if they have a Philippines driver’s license.
Drive in Saudi Arabia with Philippines License
If you have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP), you are eligible to drive in Saudi Arabia for up to three months. This means that you can use your Philippines driver’s license along with the IDP to operate a vehicle in the country.
However, it is essential to note that after three months, you must convert your driver’s license to a Saudi Arabian one, depending on your residency status in the country. It is also vital to ensure that your IDP is valid and accompanied by your original driver’s license while driving in Saudi Arabia.
If you are a tourist in Saudi Arabia, we recommend that you also read our guide about driving as a tourist in Saudi Arabia.
Eligibility
To drive in Saudi Arabia with a foreign driver’s license, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- Your Philippines driver’s license must be valid and up-to-date.
- You must have a valid residency visa.
- You must be able to read and understand traffic signs in Arabic.
Restrictions
There are certain restrictions for driving in Saudi Arabia with a foreign driver’s license. Some of these restrictions include:
- An authorized translation service must translate your Philippines driver’s license into Arabic.
- You must have a valid (IDP) and your Philippines driver’s license.
- You must have a valid car insurance policy.
Getting an International Driver’s Permit
An international driver’s permit is a document that allows you to drive in foreign countries. Before travelling to Saudi Arabia, you can apply for an International Driver’s Permit at the Automobile Association of the Philippines.
To obtain an IDP, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- You must have a valid Philippines driver’s license.
- You must pay a fee for the IDP.
It is important to note that the IDP is not a replacement for your Philippines driver’s license. You must still carry your Philippines driver’s license with you at all times while driving in Saudi Arabia.
Converting Your Philippines Driver’s License
If you plan on staying in Saudi Arabia for an extended period of time, you may be required to convert your Philippines driver’s license to a Saudi Arabian driver’s license. In order to do this, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must pass a driving test.
- You must take a theoretical test on the road rules in Saudi Arabia.
- You must provide proof of residency in Saudi Arabia.
- You must provide a medical certificate.
Download our app for free to pass the theory test and become familiar with Saudi Arabian traffic signs.
It is important to note that the process for converting your driver’s license may vary depending on the individual circumstances of each case.
Conclusion
Driving in Saudi Arabia with a Philippines driver’s license is possible but requires a few additional steps and requirements. Familiarizing yourself with the eligibility criteria, restrictions, and process for obtaining an IDP and converting your driver’s license is essential. Doing so can ensure that you can legally and safely drive while in Saudi Arabia.
I use family visit visa with a multiple entry and i will stay here for a long period of time and i like to convert my philippine driver’s license to saudi license, it is posible to convert my license?.also what kind of proof they need of my residency here in saudi?.my wife is a nurse and she is my sponsor but im not her dependent cause women is prohibited..in short i dont have iqama.