If you hold a Greek driver’s licence and want to drive in Japan, whether renting a car or joining a go-kart tour on public roads, you must follow Japan’s rules on foreign licences and International Driving Permits. This guide summarises those rules using Japanese official sources and the Greek licensing framework.

Why Japan Only Accepts the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP

Japan only recognizes IDPs that are issued by countries that have joined the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and that follow the booklet format set out in the convention. Japanese police clearly state that permits based solely on the 1968 Vienna Convention are not valid for driving in Japan.

The JAF list of contracting states to the 1949 Geneva Convention includes Greece, which means Greek authorities can issue IDPs that are valid for use in Japan as long as they follow the 1949 format.

Greek Driving Licence and IDP Background

Driving licences in Greece are issued under the authority of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, and the official government portal explains the procedures for acquiring and renewing Greek licences.

When Greek residents need to drive outside the European Union, they typically obtain an IDP via authorised automobile or touring clubs that operate in accordance with the UN road traffic conventions. Although Greece also participates in the 1968 Vienna Convention, Japan requires a permit that complies with the 1949 Geneva Convention, so it is important for Greek licence holders to request the 1949-compatible IDP when planning to drive in Japan.

How to Get an IDP in Greece

To obtain an IDP in Greece, you generally need:

・a valid Greek driver’s licence

・an application submitted through an authorised automobile or touring club that issues IDPs

・a passport-style photograph and payment of the prescribed fee

You should make it clear when you apply that you need an IDP suitable for 1949-Convention countries such as Japan. The exact list of issuing organisations and detailed procedures can change over time, so it is recommended to confirm the current process with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport or the relevant automobile club before applying.

Validity and Use in Japan

To drive in Japan using a Greek licence, you must:

・carry your Greek driver’s licence

・carry a valid IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention in booklet form

・drive only within one year from the date you entered Japan, and only while both your Greek licence and the IDP remain valid

These conditions are described in English in Japanese police guidance for foreign licence holders and in JAF’s information for Geneva Convention countries.

Documents Required to Drive in Japan

For driving or joining a go-kart tour in Japan as a Greek licence holder, you should prepare:

・Greek driver’s licence (original card)

・1949 Geneva Convention IDP booklet issued in Greece

・Passport with your Japanese entry stamp or landing record

・Rental agreement or tour booking confirmation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Frequent issues include:

・Assuming that any “international licence” issued in Greece is automatically valid in Japan

・Using only an IDP based on the 1968 Vienna Convention, which Japan does not accept

・Forgetting to carry the Greek licence together with the IDP

・Driving more than one year after arriving in Japan with the same IDP

Final Checklist

Before you travel, make sure that:

・your Greek IDP is a 1949 Geneva Convention booklet

・you will be driving in Japan within one year of your entry date

・you always carry your licence, IDP, and passport together

・your car rental or go-kart provider confirms that they accept your documents