No — you don't need an IDP for Faro if you have a full UK photocard licence.

If you're flying into Faro Airport for a week's hire in Albufeira, Lagos or Tavira, your UK licence is all you need.

You can use a UK, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or Isle of Man photocard driving licence to drive for periods up to 185 days without an IDP

The official Portuguese IMT confirms the same: After the UK’s exit from the EU, will a British visitor who does not intend to spend more than 185 days in Portugal have to carry an International Driving Permit? R: No. The holders of driving licences issued by a third country that has ratified either the 1949 Geneva Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention (as is the case of the UK) may drive in Portugal for a maximum period of 185 days without having to carry an International Driving Permit

For most visitors that means: You do not need an IDP here for periods up to 6 months

When You DO Need an IDP in Faro

There are 3 exceptions where Faro car hire desks will still ask you for one:

1. You have an old paper licence
If you’re hiring a car, you should check if the car hire company says you need an IDP. If you have a paper driving licence, you’ll need to update it to a photocard licence or get an IDP

2. You are driving to Portugal via Spain
This is the classic Algarve road-trip trap. If you are driving to Portugal via Spain, you may need both a 1949 IDP and a 1968 IDP. Spain requires a 1949 IDP, Portugal recognises the 1968.

3. Your hire company policy
Even though it's not legally required, some low-cost Faro desks at FAO still write "IDP required" in their T&Cs for non-EU licences. Always check your voucher. A 1968 IDP costs £5.50 at the Post Office and covers you for zero-hassle pick-up.

Which IDP for Faro / Portugal?

If you do need one, you need the 1968 Vienna version. That's the one Portugal lists — Portugal | 1968. It lasts 3 years or until your UK licence expires. The 1949 is 12 months only.

Get it over the counter at Post Office with your photocard licence + passport photo. Don't buy the £30+ online fakes.

Driving in Faro and the Algarve - 2026 Tips for UK Drivers

Faro Airport (FAO) to Resort: Faro is tiny. From the car park to the N125 is 5 mins. To Albufeira is 30 mins, Lagos 60 mins, Tavira 25 mins. Keep right, UK is left.

The A22 Toll - Important: The main Algarve motorway A22 (Via do Infante) is ELECTRONIC ONLY. No cash booths. If your car doesn't have a transponder you'll get a fine in the post. Book a car with "Via Verde Transponder Included" — we filter for it on cheap car hire Faro. Otherwise you must register your plate at a CTT post office or at www.pagamentodeportagens.pt within 48 hours.

What to carry in the car:

  • Full UK photocard licence (both parts if you have old paper counterpart)
  • Passport
  • Hire agreement + insurance docs
  • V5? No, hire company provides
  • Hi-vis vest + warning triangle (legally required, usually in boot)

Speed limits: 50km/h town, 90km/h open roads, 120km/h A22. Drink drive limit is lower than UK — 0.5 g/l vs 0.8 in England.

Do I need an IDP for Faro Old Town? No. Same 185-day rule applies everywhere in Portugal.

Bottom line for your Faro trip: If you have a modern UK photocard and you're staying under 6 months and flying direct to Faro, leave the IDP at home. If you have a paper licence or are doing a Spain > Portugal road trip, spend the £5.50 on a 1968 (and a 1949 if driving through Spain) and you'll have zero issues at the desk.