If you are visiting Japan from Belgium and want to drive, your route is your Belgian licence plus an official Japanese translation — not an International Driving Permit.

The Japan National Police Agency recognises a Japanese licence, a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP, or — for designated countries including Belgium — a home licence with an official Japanese translation. (Japan National Police Agency)

Belgian Drivers Use a Japanese Translation, Not an IDP

Belgium is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention, but Belgium does not issue Geneva-format International Driving Permits. Because Japan recognises only Geneva-format IDPs, a Belgian IDP is not valid in Japan. Belgian licence holders therefore drive on their Belgian licence with an official Japanese translation. (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department)

The Translation Must Come From an Authorised Body

Use only a translation from a body designated under Japanese law. For Belgian licenses, authorized issuers include JAF and the Visit Japan Driver’s Support Association, also known as ALADDIN. (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department)

What Belgian Travelers Should Prepare

・A valid Belgian driving licence

・An official Japanese translation of that licence

・Your passport

In general, you may drive for up to one year from your date of entry into Japan, or until your Belgian license 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)

Where to Get Your Japanese Translation

Use JAF or ALADDIN for an official Japanese translation. JAF accepts online applications, and once issued, the translation can be printed at a convenience store in Japan. Check the processing time in advance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

・Assuming a Belgian IDP works in Japan (it does not)

・Using an unauthorised translation

・Carrying the translation without the original Belgian licence

・Forgetting your passport

・Exceeding the one-year-from-entry window

Best Timing Before Your Trip

Arrange the translation before your trip if possible. If you plan to apply through JAF after arriving in Japan, check the processing time in advance and avoid leaving it until the last minute.

FAQ: Driving in Japan with a Belgian License

Q1. Can I use a Belgian IDP in Japan?

No. Belgium doesn’t issue Geneva-format IDPs, so it isn’t valid in Japan. Use the translation route.

Q2. What do Belgian drivers need?

A valid Belgian licence, an official Japanese translation, and a passport.

Q3. Who can make the translation?

JAF or the Visit Japan Driver’s Support Association, also known as ALADDIN.

Q4. How long can you drive?

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

Q5. What should you carry while driving?

Your Belgian licence, the official Japanese translation, and your passport.

Final Takeaway

For Belgium, the IDP route doesn’t apply in Japan. Obtain an official Japanese translation of your Belgian licence from an authorised body and carry it with your licence and passport within one year of entry.