If you are visiting Japan from Portugal and want to drive, your Portuguese licence alone is not enough. You must prepare a valid 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permit (IDP) — and, importantly, the 1949 format specifically.

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 Portugal, the route is the 1949 Geneva IDP. (Japan National Police Agency)

Portuguese 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

This is the key point for Portuguese drivers. Portugal is a party to both the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions, and the issuer can produce either format depending on your destination. For Japan you must specifically request the 1949 Geneva-format IDP. (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department)

What Portuguese Travelers Should Prepare

・A valid Portuguese driving licence (Carta de Condução)

・A valid 1949 Geneva Convention IDP (1949 format)

・Your passport

You may generally drive for up to one year from entry, or until your IDP expires, whichever comes first. (Japan National Police Agency)

Your IDP Must Be the Original Documen

Carry the original IDP booklet alongside your Portuguese licence — not a digital copy or an unofficial online permit. Rental companies and police may inspect the originals. (Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department)

Where to Get Your IDP in Portugal

Apply through the Automóvel Club de Portugal (ACP), which issues the IDP under the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna Convention depending on destination — be sure to ask for the 1949 version for Japan. (Automóvel Club de Portugal)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

・Assuming a Portuguese 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 at ACP close enough to your trip to cover your stay, and confirm in advance that you are receiving the 1949 Geneva version.

FAQ: Driving in Japan with a Portuguese License

Q1. Can you drive in Japan with a Portuguese 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 ACP in Portugal, before travel. It cannot be issued in Japan.

Q4. How long can you drive in Japan?

Up to one year from entry, or until the IDP expires, whichever comes first.

Q5. What should you carry while driving?

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

Final Takeaway

Portuguese drivers can drive in Japan — but the format matters. Ask ACP for the 1949 Geneva-format IDP (not the 1968 Vienna one), carry it with your licence and passport, and stay within the one-year-from-entry window.