If you are traveling from Lebanon to Japan and plan to drive, rent a car, or join a street-legal Tokyo go-kart tour, you must prepare the correct International Driving Permit (IDP) before your trip. Japan’s rules are strict about the permit’s treaty type, format, and the fact that you must carry the original booklet.

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

Japan recognizes only international driving permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention.

・Physical Booklet is Mandatory: Japan does not allow driving with a digital IDP shown on a phone. You must carry the original paper IDP booklet at all times when driving.

・Standardized Format: The IDP booklet format is standardized (including specific dimensions), and a permit that differs significantly may be rejected.

・Official Rule: For details on valid licenses in Japan, please check the National Police Agency’s official guide

Note：IDPs issued under other treaties, such as the 1968 Vienna Convention, are not valid for driving in Japan, even if the issuing country is a 1949 Geneva contracting state.

Is Lebanon Eligible to Issue an IDP Valid in Japan?

Yes. Lebanon is listed as a contracting state of the 1949 Geneva Convention in visitor guidance published by JAF, and it also appears on Japan’s National Police Agency list of contracting states. This means an IDP issued in Lebanon under the 1949 Geneva model can be valid for driving in Japan, as long as it is correctly issued and matches the required format. 

Where to Get an IDP in Lebanon (ATCL, or via LibanPost)

In Lebanon, the Automobile et Touring Club du Liban (ATCL) provides the international driving permit for use outside Lebanon. ATCL also states you can apply via LibanPost branches. (ATCL)

ATCL’s published guidance lists the required documents as a Lebanese driving license, two passport photos, and a photocopy of the first page of your passport. It also lists a delivery time of about 10 minutes, and it posts fees for members and non-members (fees can change, so confirm when you apply). (ATCL)

Validity and How Long You Can Drive in Japan

Japan-side guidance explains two limits apply at the same time: the IDP itself is valid for one year from the date of issuance, and you are allowed to drive for up to one year from your date of entry into Japan. Your effective driving period is limited by whichever becomes shorter. Japan also applies additional restrictions for mid- to long-term residents recorded in Japan’s resident register when leaving and re-entering Japan within short periods.

What to Carry for Driving and Go-Kart Tours in Japan

In practice, rental counters and tour operators will ask you to show your original paper IDP booklet, your original Lebanese driving license, and your passport. Japan’s official guidance also highlights that your passport may be checked to confirm your entry date for the one-year driving window.

One more detail that causes avoidable problems is the vehicle category stamp on the IDP. Japan’s official Q&A notes that if the vehicle type column is blank, illegible, or not properly specified, you may not be allowed to drive, so confirm the booklet is properly completed before you fly.

Final Pre-Flight Self-Check (Lebanon to Japan)

Before departure, confirm your IDP is the 1949 Geneva Convention type, confirm it is the physical paper booklet (not digital), confirm the booklet’s format is correct (Japan even specifies standard dimensions), and confirm the vehicle category section is clearly stamped. Then pack your IDP, Lebanese license, and passport together so you can present them quickly at check-in points in Japan.