HCMC – Starting from July 23, Vietnam will allow residents of South Korea with an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in Vietnam. This comes after the Government of South Korea recognized the validity of IDPs granted by Vietnamese authorities.
The bilateral agreement between Vietnam and South Korea on the recognition of IDP was signed during President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit to Vietnam on June 23, 2023, taking effect from July 23, 2023.
Under the agreement, South Korean residents carrying an IDP will be permitted to drive in Vietnam for up to one year from the date of issuance. It is estimated that over 4.3 million South Korean citizens in this group will be able to participate in road traffic in Vietnam.
To obtain an international driving permit, individuals can register online or directly at driving centers nationwide, police offices, or the IDP issuance centers at Incheon and Gimpo airports. The permit will be valid for one year.
Previously, the Government of South Korea allowed owners of IDPs granted by Vietnam to drive in their country in accordance with their road traffic laws.
South Korea is a member of the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, approved by 101 countries, and recognizes international driving permits issued by the signatories of the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
However, Vietnam only accepts IDPs granted by 86 signatories to the Vienna Convention.
