Europe
Driving in Portugal
Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. Here is exactly what Portugal expects from a visiting driver, and how to have it before you land.
Portugal
Europe · drives on the right
- Drives on the
- Right
- Rental min age
- 18+
- Ready in
- 8 min
Do I need an international driving permit in Portugal?
Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. Rental desks in Lisbon and the Algarve ask for it routinely with non-EU licences.
Which side of the road does Portugal drive on?
Portugal drives on the right-hand side of the road.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Portugal?
Rental desks in Portugal generally require drivers to be at least 18. Younger drivers may face a surcharge or be refused.
How quickly can I get one before I fly?
The digital document is issued in minutes — the median is 41 seconds after payment — and works offline. A printed booklet ships separately by tracked courier.
Requirements are set by Portugal and can change. We publish what the destination currently expects and update it when it moves. If Portugal refuses the document we recommended for it, our money-back guarantee applies.