Driving in Georgia With a UAE License: Rules, IDP & Rentals
Yes, you can drive in Georgia, the country, with a valid UAE driving license for up to one year from the day you enter. Georgia recognises foreign licenses for tourists and short visits, and because the UAE license is printed in English and Arabic it is generally accepted. An International Driving Permit still makes car rentals and roadside checks easier.
Can you drive in Georgia with a UAE license?
A valid foreign license, including a UAE license, lets you drive in Georgia for tourism or business for up to one year from your date of entry. Carry your passport with you, since police may ask for it to confirm how long you have been in the country. After one year, or once you become a resident, you need a Georgian license.
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Georgia?
An International Driving Permit is recommended rather than strictly required for a UAE license, because your license already shows your details in English. Georgia follows the 1968 Vienna Convention, and an IDP is expected when a license is written only in a non-Latin script. Many rental companies also ask for one for insurance, so it is safer to carry it. UAE residents should get the permit in the UAE before they travel, since you cannot apply for a UAE permit once you are abroad. Read our guide on how to get an International Driving Permit.
Renting a car in Georgia
Rental companies in Georgia usually ask for your UAE license, your passport, and an International Driving Permit. Most require the driver to be at least 21 years old with at least one year of driving experience, and your license should stay valid for several months beyond your trip. Read the insurance terms in the rental agreement, and choose cover that includes third-party liability, collision damage, and theft.
How long can you use your UAE license in Georgia?
Your UAE license is valid for driving in Georgia for up to one year from the date you enter. If you stay longer than a year or move there permanently, you must apply for a Georgian driver's license.
Converting to a Georgian driver's license
If you become a resident or stay beyond one year, apply for a Georgian license at the Service Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Foreigners may need to pass a theory and a practical test, although holders of licenses from some countries are exempt. Bring your UAE license, passport, residence document, and a medical certificate, and confirm the current requirements with the agency before you apply.
Driving rules to know in Georgia
Georgia drives on the right, the same side as the UAE, so the change feels familiar. A few rules differ from home:
- Seatbelts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers.
- Using a handheld phone while driving is not allowed.
- Speed limits are lower than on UAE highways, generally about 50 km/h in towns and up to 110 km/h on motorways.
- Roads in mountain areas can be narrow and winding, so drive to the conditions and keep your headlights on when needed.
Georgia is one of several countries that accept a UAE license. Travelling somewhere else? See our guide on driving in the Philippines with a UAE license.