If you are visiting Japan from Croatia and want to drive, your Croatian licence alone is not enough. You must prepare a valid 1949 Geneva Convention IDP — in the 1949 format.

The Japan National Police Agency allows visitors to drive with a Japanese licence, a 1949 Geneva IDP, or a designated-country licence with an official Japanese translation. For Croatia, the route is the 1949 Geneva IDP. (Japan National Police Agency)

Croatian Travelers Need a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP

Japan recognises only IDPs in the 1949 Geneva format; 1968 Vienna-format IDPs are not valid in Japan. (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department)

Ask for the 1949 Geneva Format — Not the 1968 Vienna IDP

Croatia acceded to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, and Japan recognizes only IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. For Japan, Croatian drivers should confirm that their IDP is issued in the 1949 Geneva format. (United Nations – Croatia accession to the 1949 Convention)

What Croatian Travelers Should Prepare

・A valid Croatian driving licence

・A valid 1949 Geneva Convention IDP (1949 format)

・Your passport

In general, you may drive for up to one year from your date of entry into Japan, or until your IDP expires, whichever comes first. Special rules may apply to foreign residents in Japan who leave and re-enter Japan within three months. (Japan National Police Agency)

Your IDP Must Be the Original Document

Carry the original IDP booklet with your Croatian licence — not a digital copy or unofficial online permit. (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department)

Where to Get Your IDP in Croatia

In Croatia, apply for an International Driving Permit through the Croatian Automobile Club, HAK, before you travel. Because Japan accepts only 1949 Geneva-format IDPs, confirm that the permit you receive is valid for Japan. (International Driving Permit)

How Croatian Drivers Should Confirm the Right IDP Format

Before applying, tell HAK that your destination is Japan and confirm that the permit will be valid under the 1949 Geneva Convention format. This matters because Japan does not accept IDPs issued under other road traffic conventions, even if the document looks similar. After receiving the permit, check that your name and license details match your Croatian driving license, and carry the original booklet together with your license and passport while driving in Japan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

・Obtaining a 1968 Vienna IDP by default (not valid in Japan)

・Assuming a Croatian or EU licence alone is enough

・Bringing only a digital copy instead of the original booklet

・Forgetting to carry the original licence with the IDP and passport

・Letting the IDP or the one-year window lapse

Best Timing Before Your Trip

The 1949 IDP is valid one year from issue. Apply at HAK close enough to your trip to cover your stay in Japan.

FAQ: Driving in Japan with a Croatian License

Q1. Can you drive in Japan with a Croatian licence alone?

No. Carry a 1949 Geneva IDP, your original licence, and your passport.

Q2. Which IDP format does Japan accept?

Only the 1949 Geneva format — request this specifically, not the 1968 Vienna version.

Q3. Where do I get the IDP?

From HAK in Croatia, before travel. It cannot be issued in Japan.

Q4. How long can you drive in Japan?

In general, up to one year from your date of entry into Japan, or until your IDP expires, whichever comes first.

Q5. What should you carry while driving?

Your original Croatian licence, the 1949 Geneva IDP, and your passport.

Final Takeaway

Croatian drivers can drive in Japan with a 1949 Geneva-format IDP from HAK. Confirm the format (not the 1968 Vienna version), carry the original with your licence and passport, and drive within one year of entry