Do I need an International Drivers Permit?

December 17, 2024

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if I plan to drive in Italy?

Italian law states that visitors from outside the European Union must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP), obtained before departure.

An IDP can be obtained through your local Automobile Association (AAA). In the USA, the IDP costs about US$20. It can be requested up to six months before departure, and it is valid for one year.

Car rental companies may request an IDP when you pick up a rental vehicle. Failure to produce one may result in you not being able to rent the vehicle. In Italy, police roadside checks are common. If you are unable to produce the required documentation, you could face fines ranging from approximately €400 to more than €1,600. If you are in an accident, your insurance may be null and void if you do not have an IDP. So, we recommend that if you plan on driving in Europe, you should get an IDP, even if nobody ever asks to see it, because if nothing else it can provide valuable peace of mind during your trip.

Transport Info

December 17, 2024

This page contains detailed information on specific airports in Italy, France and Spain, followed by suggestions for smaller or "low-cost" airlines, and finally some tips on traveling by train. Keep in mind that airlines and schedules change surprisingly quickly, so your best starting point is with the airport website of your destination. If you've found the perfect flight into a European hub, you may find a connection to a harder-to-reach destination with a smaller airline. For example, you can connect to Sicily via Amsterdam, or to southern Turkey from Paris, or to Corsica via Brussels. Regarding European trains, here is a useful website: Trainline. For information on the Italian train system, see our blog post: Italy's train system made easy.