If you are visiting Japan from Denmark and want to drive, your Danish 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 Denmark, the route is the 1949 Geneva IDP. (Japan National Police Agency)

Danish 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

Japan only accepts IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Before traveling, Danish drivers should confirm that their International Driving Permit is valid for Japan. (Foreign Driver’s Licenses)

What Danish Travelers Should Prepare

・A valid Danish 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 Danish licence — not a screenshot, PDF, or unofficial online permit. (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department)

Where to Get Your IDP in Denmark

In Denmark, apply for an International Driving Permit through Borgerservice before you travel. Because Japan only accepts 1949 Geneva-format IDPs, confirm that the permit you receive is valid for Japan. (Foreign Driver’s Licenses)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

・Assuming a Danish 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

A 1949 IDP is valid one year from issue. Apply via FDM close enough to your trip to cover your stay in Japan.

FAQ: Driving in Japan with a Danish License

Q1. Can you drive in Japan with a Danish 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 Borgerservice in Denmark, 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 Danish licence, the 1949 Geneva IDP, and your passport.

Final Takeaway

Danish drivers can drive in Japan with a valid 1949 Geneva-format IDP issued in Denmark. Confirm the format, carry the original with your licence and passport, and drive within one year of entry.