Prisca Vaniyapilly in Travel

8 Countries that let you drive with an Indian Driving License

Taking Road trips are often overwhelming, and driving on international roads, with a GPS or map has the kind of charm, which you’d probably not find in any other experience! And why not, driving is the ideal way to travel and explore a country.

Self-drive holidays in foreign countries is the latest rage for Indian tourists. Also, Films like Zindagi Na Mile Dobara, Dil Chahta Hai make the prospect of a foreign road trip even more appealing. The good news is that, if you are an Indian and want to self-drive in these countries, things are not that difficult anymore. In an attempt to boost tourism, many countries are now allowing Indians to drive with an Indian driving license. This saves you from the biggest headache and hassle of obtaining an international license. You can take breaks when you want to, linger longer at famous locations or make a quick getaway to the next destination. Due to the increasing demand for Self-drive, facilities for renting a car out is available almost everywhere. For self-drive holidays, the US, western Europe and New Zealand are the most popular countries.

One of our esteemed guests Mr Kedar Verma hired a car on his honeymoon in US early this year. Driving on the highway from San Francisco to Las Vegas was a dream come true for him.

Here’s a list of top countries where you can drive off with your Indian driving license:

1. France

An Indian driving license will be valid in France provided a French translation of the same is carried along. The license will be valid for one year and you’ll be driving on the right side of the road. France has always been one of the hottest destinations for the tourists from all corners of the world. The cultural hub of Europe and the country of wine offers some beautiful roads and regions and countryside to drive through. So, when you plan a trip to France, remember France visa processing is one of the quickest among all schengen countries.

2. The United States of America (USA)

You are allowed to drive in the US with an Indian driving license for up to a year. The license must be in English and valid. The US authorities also require a copy of the I-94 form, which mentions the date of entry in the US.

Here you’ll have to drive on the right-hand side of the road. USA is best explored while driving through it. It possesses some of the mesmerizing landscapes. Plan your route around US in advance and take advantage of what US has to offer. An Indian national who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a US Visa from the US Embassy in India.

3. Germany

You can drive through Germany with your Indian driving license for 6 months, but before that don’t forget to translate it in German. The country comes with right hand drive rule. Germany surely is like the heaven for speed lovers as it is the nation of Autobahn. While exploring the beautiful locations around, you can unleash your inner kid on the Autobahn for one unlimited speedy drive. If you want to visit Germany, you must have a sound travel plan in place. There is so much to see and do, that without a plan you could miss out. Trust our Germany visa Experts to take care of all your visa worries.

4. Australia

You can drive in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory for 3 months with your valid Indian license. Your License must be in English. Here you drive on the left side of the road. Australia has some of the most beautiful terrains in the world, which can be explored by driving through the amazing landscape of the country. Lasseter highway in northern territory of the country is one of most attractive roads to drive in Australia. Don’t forget to pass through the outback, one of the most unforgiving places on earth.

Check your Australia visa requirements and which travel documents you’ll need before you visit your dream destination.

5. Great Britain

With a valid Indian driving license and an Indian passport, you can drive around England, Scotland and Wales. You can rent a car for a period of one year and you will need to make sure you rent the right class of vehicles permitted according to you license. This country comes with its own Autobahn, which is Isle of Man, which doesn’t have any speed limit. The country possesses several beautiful locations all around the corners and so, a trip to Great Britain should definitely be on your list.

If you’re planning an adventure to the UK, depending on your nationality and your reason for visiting, you may need to organise a UK Visa. Get your United Kingdom visa processed quickly and efficiently with Akbar Travels. We’re here to help you get the visa you need to take your trip.

6. New Zealand

New Zealand offers one year of driving to the Indian driving license holders, but the driver has to be at least 21 years old. The country comes with left hand drive rule. New Zealand might be a small country, but it comes full of great locations to drive through. Driving from Thames to Coromandel road in the country is a charming experience for any driver.

Traveling overseas to New Zealand can be exciting. It also requires a lot of planning ahead of time. One of the most important items you’ll need for your trip is a New Zealand Visa. Don’t have the visa yet? No problem. Get one now!

7. Switzerland

Similar to France, you can drive in Switzerland if you have the official translation of the Indian driving license. You’ll get a permit of driving for one year. Certainly, described as the most beautiful country in Europe, Switzerland boasts some of the best landscapes in the world. The country offers some splendid view of Alps.

The beautiful rivers, never ending long stretches are paradise for tourists. Get inspired for a driving tour of Switzerland and allow our Experts to plan your much-awaited road trip to Switzerland. If you are planning to visit the country of Switzerland, you may be required to apply for a Switzerland visa beforehand.

8. Norway

Norway too offers self-drive opportunity on an Indian driver’s license. However, its validity is up to three months from the date of entry. The country comes with right hand drive rule. The land of midnight sun comes with plenty of stunning geographic locations. You can always explore the famous fjords, beautiful Norwegian villages, waterfalls by driving through the Scandinavian country. A road trip in Norway is a bucket list for many. Luckily driving in Norway is an amazing experience – in fact we tell all our guests who visit Norway that they have to consider a road trip when planning a trip to Norway.

Truly, Travelling by road is a great way to explore a country and experience it the “local” way.

Get inspired to plan a road trip or just enjoy discovering some of the most beautiful driving routes in the world. Akbar Travels makes you plan the perfect road trip of your dreams that will stay in your hearts forever.

Also Read:

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" Prisca Vaniyapilly : ."