Planning to hire a car in Crete? If you have a UK photocard driving licence you do NOT need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Crete and the rest of Greece for a holiday up to 6 months in 2026.

But - if you have an old paper licence, or you are staying longer than 6 months, you DO need a 1968 IDP. And some car hire suppliers at Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ) Airport still ask to see an IDP at the desk, so we recommend getting one for £5.50 to avoid problems.

At VPS Rental Cars we compare 800+ suppliers at Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ) to find you cheap Crete car hire from £14/day.

Which IDP Do You Need for Crete?

You need a 1968 IDP for Crete and Greece.

Don't get the 1949 or 1926 version - they are not valid in Greece. The 1968 IDP is valid for 3 years or until your UK licence expires, whichever is soonest.

You need one IDP per driver.

What Happens If You Drive in Crete Without an IDP When You Need One?

  • Your car hire supplier can refuse to give you the car - no refund
  • Your insurance can be invalid
  • You can be fined by Greek Traffic Police if stopped
  • You will have problems if you have an accident

How to Get an IDP for Crete in the UK

It's easy and takes 5 minutes at any Post Office:

  • Take your UK photocard driving licence
  • One passport-sized photo
  • £5.50 fee
  • Ask for a 1968 IDP for Greece / Crete

No test needed. You can also get it by mail from the Post Office if you don't have a branch nearby.

Get it BEFORE you fly - you cannot get a UK IDP in Crete.

Driving in Crete - What UK Drivers Must Know

Crete drives on the right side of the road - opposite to the UK.

  • Speed limits: 50km/h in towns, 90km/h on rural roads, 110km/h on National Road
  • Drink drive limit: 0.5g/l - much lower than UK, don't drink and drive
  • Mountain roads: Narrow and winding around Balos, Elafonissi and Samaria - take it slow
  • Parking: Blue line = pay and display, white line = free. Busy in Heraklion, Chania Old Town and Malia in summer
  • Waze or Google Maps works perfectly for speed cameras and fuel

Do I Need an IDP with VPS Rental Cars in Crete?

If you have a UK photocard licence for a normal 1-2 week holiday, our Crete suppliers - Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt and local suppliers - will usually accept your UK licence alone.

Book your cheap car hire Crete with VPS Rental Cars and you will see the exact licence requirement listed on your voucher so there are no surprises at the desk.

FAQ

Is my UK photocard licence enough for Crete?
Yes for a holiday under 6 months, but take a 1968 IDP as backup for the hire desk - it's only £5.50.

Can I drive in Crete on a digital IDP?
No. Greece requires the original paper IDP booklet, not a digital copy.

Do I need an IDP for Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos too?
Same rule - 1968 IDP if you need one for Crete, it covers all of Greece and all Greek Islands.

Ready to go? Compare cheap car hire Crete at HER and CHQ from £14/day with VPS Rental Cars.