Drive Freely in the UAE – See If Your Country Made the List

 


In a major move under the UAE’s Markhoos digital governance initiative, the Ministry of Interior has relaxed driving license rules. Citizens of 52 eligible countries can now:

  1. Drive as visitors in the UAE using their valid home-country driving license—no local tests or International Driving Permits (IDPs) required.

  2. Swap into a UAE license if they hold valid residency, passing only health screenings—not theory or road testing. 

🌍 Who Are These 52 Nationalities?

Included in the expanded list are countries widely spanning:

  • North America: USA, Canada

  • Europe: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland, Portugal and more

  • Asia & Oceania: Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea*, China, Hong Kong

  • Others: South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, Serbia, Montenegro, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Azerbaijan, Belarus

  • Plus: Texas (listed separately due to state-level agreement) 

*Note: South Korean nationals must be residents to qualify for a license swap; visitors from South Korea are not allowed to drive on their home license. 

🛣 Recognition vs. Exchange: What It Means

For Visitors (Recognition)For Residents (Exchange)
Valid license? ✅                                               Valid license and UAE residency visa? ✅
From an eligible country? ✅Pass vision/medical test? ✅
Visiting only, not residingLegal translation and documentation required
Drive without IDP or UAE permitNo local theory or road exam needed
No exchange if South KoreanFee: AED 600 via MuroorKhous portal
License delivered electronically or by courier

These new rules significantly cut down bureaucracy for tourists and expatriates alike. 

✅ Why This Policy Matters

  • Easier visitor mobility: Tourists from the approved 52 countries no longer need to get a UAE permit or an IDP to drive.

  • Streamlined expat integration: Residents can avoid retesting—making self-driving easier and faster.

  • Digital-first government: License exchange is done via the online MuroorKhous portal with minimal paperwork. 

⚠️ Important Points to Keep in Mind

  • Nationality matters: To qualify for exchange, your nationality must align with the issuing country of the foreign license. Some residency exceptions apply (e.g., Golden Visa holders). 

  • License surrender: In some bilateral agreements, you may have to surrender your original license.

  • License category limits apply—typically motorcycles and light vehicles are covered. 

📝 In Summary

  • Visitors from 52 eligible nations can legally drive in the UAE using their valid home-license, no tests or IDP needed.

  • Residents from those same countries can exchange their license for a UAE one with minimal medical screening, provided they hold valid residency.

  • The fee is AED 600, and the process is entirely digital.

  • Some exceptions apply—check nationality-license alignment and understand rules for countries like South Korea or Golden Visa holders.

This new policy marks a big step toward simplifying mobility for visitors and expatriates in the UAE—reflecting a modern and open approach to international travel and residency.

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Location: Dubai - United Arab Emirates

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