Visitors may use an international licence to drive in Saudi Arabia for up to one year

New guidelines for the circumstances in which foreign visitors may use international or foreign driver's licenses have been released by Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Traffic.

The authorities states that tourists may drive in the Kingdom for a maximum of one year after their date of admission or until the license expires, whichever comes first, using an international or foreign license.

The license must match the type of vehicle being driven, which is one of the essential requirements. Additionally, to guarantee the quality and clarity of the material, all international licenses must be translated by a recognized organization. However, residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations are exempt from these regulations.

The Traffic Department stated that people of the GCC do not need a temporary Saudi license in order to drive in Saudi Arabia with a valid license obtained in their home country. They are permitted to keep using the license for the duration of its validity.

Nevertheless, the government made it clear that foreign driver's licenses issued in GCC nations are not accepted for cross-border travel within GCC nations, including Saudi Arabia.