If you are visiting Japan from Egypt and plan to drive a car, rent a vehicle, or join a street-legal go-kart experience, you must prepare the correct International Driving Permit (IDP) before your trip. Japan only recognizes IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, and it does not accept IDPs issued under other conventions such as the Vienna Convention. 

This guide explains what Egyptian travelers need to bring, how long you can drive in Japan, and where to obtain an IDP in Egypt.

Can Egyptian travelers drive in Japan with an IDP?

Yes. Egypt is listed as a contracting state to the 1949 Geneva Convention in official Japanese guidance, and IDPs issued in conformity with the 1949 Geneva Convention are recognized for driving in Japan. 

For an additional cross-check, Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) also lists Egypt among the 1949 Geneva Convention contracting states. 

Critical rule: Japan does not accept the Vienna Convention IDP

Tokyo Metropolitan Police states that only IDPs issued by a 1949 Geneva Convention signatory, and issued in conformity with that convention, are valid for driving in Japan. It also states that an IDP issued under other conventions, including the Vienna Convention, is invalid even if it is issued by a Geneva-signatory country. 

When you apply in Egypt, ensure your IDP is the Geneva 1949 format.

What you must carry while driving in Japan

In practice, you should carry all of the following while driving:

・Your original Egyptian driver’s license

・Your International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention

・Your passport (police may check your entry date to confirm the allowed driving period)

Japan’s National Police Agency explains that the allowed driving period is tied to your landing date in Japan and the IDP validity period, whichever is shorter. 

How long can you drive in Japan with an IDP?

Two limits apply, and the shorter one wins.

Your driving period in Japan is up to one year from the date you land in Japan, or until your IDP expires, whichever comes first. 

Also, Japanese guidance explains a key restriction for residents: if you are registered as a resident in Japan and you leave Japan, returning within three months generally does not reset the one-year driving period with an IDP. 

Where to get an International Driving Permit in Egypt

Egyptian travelers should obtain their IDP from the Automobile and Touring Club of Egypt (ATCE). The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) lists ATCE as the member club for Egypt and provides the club name and address (10 Kasr El Nile). 

For details on applying for an International Driving Permit in Egypt, you can visit the general information page here: https://internationaldrivingpermit.org/country/egypt/ (Note: Please be aware this is an informational directory, not the government website.)

While the Egyptian Ministry of Interior also manages driving licenses, their digital portal is often inaccessible from abroad. Therefore, the safest approach is to confirm the latest checklist directly with the ATCE office (10 Kasr El Nil Street, Cairo) before visiting.

Rental cars and street-legal go-karts in Japan: what operators check

Rental counters and activity operators typically verify:

1.Your IDP is the 1949 Geneva Convention format
2.Your IDP is unexpired
3.You are within the allowable driving period based on your Japan entry date
4.You also have your original Egyptian license and passport

These checks align with the official Japanese rules on what makes an IDP valid in Japan and how long you can drive.