If you are visiting Japan with an Icelandic driving licence and plan to drive, rent a car, or join a Tokyo go-kart tour, you must prepare the correct International Driving Permit (IDP) before your trip. Japan checks the treaty type and the booklet format, and you must carry the original paper booklet.

Why Japan Requires a 1949 Geneva IDP (Original Booklet Only)

Japan recognizes only International Driving Permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic by an authorized agency of a contracting state. Japan’s official guidance also explains that your usable driving period is limited by two rules at the same time, up to one year from your entry date and only while your IDP remains valid, whichever is shorter.

Japan does not accept a digital IDP shown on a phone. You must carry the original paper IDP booklet when driving.

Tokyo Metropolitan Police also states that an IDP issued under other conventions is invalid in Japan, even if it is issued by a 1949 Geneva contracting state, so the treaty model matters. (警視庁)

Can Iceland Issue an IDP That Works in Japan?

Yes. Iceland is listed by Japan’s National Police Agency as a contracting state to the 1949 Geneva Convention, so an IDP issued in Iceland under the 1949 Geneva model can be valid for driving in Japan if it matches the convention format.

Where to Get an IDP in Iceland

Iceland’s official government portal (Ísland.is) explains that an international driving licence is issued by District Commissioners. It also notes the IDP is a small booklet that serves as a translation of your Icelandic driving licence. (island.is)

FÍB (Félag íslenskra bifreiðaeigenda) also explains that an international driving permit can be issued to someone who holds a valid Icelandic driving licence and is at least 18 years old, and that the IDP must be presented together with the Icelandic licence. (Félag íslenskra bifreiðaeigenda)

Requirements and Documents (Iceland)

Ísland.is states that an IDP may be issued to anyone who holds a valid Icelandic driving licence and has reached age 18, and that the IDP is not valid on its own, it must be presented alongside the valid driving licence. (island.is)

For the photo, Ísland.is lists driving licence photo requirements (3.5 × 4.5 cm, light background, front-facing, and specific head size requirements), and it notes that photos are not taken at the commissioner’s offices and the passport photo system cannot be used. (island.is)

FÍB adds a practical note that a digital driving licence is valid only in Iceland, so you should carry the physical licence when handling travel-related paperwork. (Félag íslenskra bifreiðaeigenda)

Cost and Validity (Iceland)

Ísland.is lists the cost as ISK 1,200. (island.is)

Ísland.is also states the IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, and it applies only to the vehicle categories you are entitled to drive under your Icelandic licence. (island.is)

Validity and Driving Period in Japan

Japan’s National Police Agency explains that you may drive with an IDP for a period of not more than one year after the date of landing in Japan or the valid period of the IDP, whichever is shorter. It also describes additional restrictions for mid- to long-term residents recorded in Japan’s resident register in certain re-entry scenarios, so the safest approach for visitors is to obtain the correct IDP before arriving in Japan.

What to Bring for a Tokyo Go-Kart Tour

Bring your original Icelandic driving licence, your original paper 1949 Geneva-format IDP booklet, and your passport. Japan’s guidance explains that the entry date drives the one-year calculation, so the passport is often used for confirmation.

Common Mistakes Icelandic Travelers Should Avoid

・Bringing only a digital copy or screenshot of the IDP instead of the paper booklet.
・Using an IDP issued under a non-1949 convention format, even if the issuing country is a 1949 contracting state. (警視庁)
・Assuming the IDP alone is enough, even though Iceland’s official guidance says it must be presented together with the valid Icelandic licence. (island.is)

Final Checklist (Iceland → Japan)

Before departure, confirm your IDP is the 1949 Geneva type booklet issued in Iceland, confirm it is within one year of its issue date, and pack the IDP booklet, your Icelandic licence, and your passport together. Then confirm your Japan trip dates keep you within Japan’s allowed driving period, which is limited by both your entry date and the IDP’s own validity.