Международное водительское удостоверение: как украинцам легально выехать за пределы страны
When planning a trip abroad, especially in difficult times, it is important to understand how to ensure your mobility. For many Ukrainian refugees, a car is not only a means of transportation, but also a way of maintaining contact with relatives and a means of solving everyday needs. However, when traveling outside of Ukraine, the question arises: is your Ukrainian driver’s license recognized in one or another country? Is it necessary to issue an International Driving Permit (IDP)? The answers to these questions will help you avoid problems while traveling and ensure peace of mind in a new country.
Where is a Ukrainian driver’s license valid
The Ukrainian driver’s license is recognized in many countries of the world thanks to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, adopted in 1968. This is an international agreement to which 89 countries have joined, including most of the countries of the European Union. Accordingly, in these countries you can drive a car without hindrance, presenting your Ukrainian driver’s license, without the need to obtain additional documents.
However, it is important to remember that even in countries that recognize Ukrainian driver’s licenses, there may be nuances. For example, in some states there is a limit on the validity period of a foreign ID. After a certain period (for example, 6 or 12 months), there may be a requirement to replace the license with a local one. Therefore, you should always check the current information regarding the requirements of the country to which you are planning to travel.
In which countries is an International Driving Permit required?
Despite the widespread recognition of Ukrainian licenses, there are 44 countries where an International Driver’s License is mandatory. We are talking about states that are not parties to the Vienna Convention or have their own traffic rules.
In these countries, you may be refused a rental car or fined at a traffic control if you do not have an MVP. Even if some companies are loyal to Ukrainian certificates, the police often require an international document.
Countries where MVP cannot be done without: Australia, Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Haiti, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Egypt, India, Ireland, Iceland, Jordan, Cambodia, Canada, Cyprus, Congo, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Namibia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Syria, Singapore, USA, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Fiji, Sri Lanka, Jamaica, Japan.
How to get an International Driving Permit
The procedure for obtaining an MVP in Ukraine is simple, but requires attention to detail. MVP is issued only on the basis of a valid national driver’s license and is issued at service centers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Necessary documents for registration of MVP:
- The original and a copy of the Ukrainian driver’s license.
- Passport of a citizen of Ukraine (if the ID card is an additional certificate of residence registration).
- Foreign passport.
- Photo 3.5×4.5 cm (on matte paper).
- Receipt for the payment of the administrative fee.
It takes several days to issue the certificate. Its term of validity is up to three years, but not longer than the term of validity of the national identity card. The MVP looks like a booklet translated into several languages, which simplifies the process of communicating with the police abroad.
What other documents are required for legal driving abroad?
In addition to a driver’s license (national or international), you need to have several other documents:
- Technical passport for a car is a confirmation that the car is registered and suitable for operation.
- A notarized power of attorney is required if the car is not registered in your name. This is confirmation that you have the right to use it abroad.
- Green card insurance is a policy that covers your liability in the event of an accident abroad. It will be impossible to cross the border without it.
Insurance is mandatory in almost all European countries. It is important to remember that the «Green Card» becomes effective from 00:00 the next day after it is issued, so you need to buy it in advance.
Tips for a safe trip
Always check the driving license requirements of the country you plan to travel to.
Find out if you need to carry additional safety items such as a first aid kit, fire extinguisher or reflective vest.
Learn about parking rules and fines for breaking them.
Do not forget about the current traffic rules in the country of destination.
Traveling abroad in your own car or in a rented vehicle is an opportunity to experience freedom and comfort, but they require careful preparation. Having the right documents will protect you from unpleasant situations and allow you to enjoy the trip.
Remember that knowing the rules and following them is the key to a safe and successful trip. May every road lead you to a safe destination!
