Car Rental in Egypt, Driving Licence, Insurance and Fines

Which licence tourists and newcomers need

Bring your national licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP). International rental companies state this in their terms: an Egyptian licence or an IDP together with your home licence, usually held for at least a year. You get an IDP at home before the trip, Egypt does not issue one based on a foreign licence.

Egypt is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, and in December 2023 it also joined the 1968 Vienna Convention, under which Russia and many other countries issue IDPs. In practice rental companies and the police treat documents differently, so before booking ask the rental company in writing whether your IDP will be accepted.

When you need an Egyptian licence

If you live in Egypt, a foreign licence eventually stops being enough. The British Foreign Office tells its citizens they can drive on their national licence and an IDP for up to six months, after which they need an Egyptian licence. For other nationalities sources give different periods, so students and anyone with an iqama should not put it off.

Egyptian licences are issued by the traffic police (Murour) where you live. You usually need your passport with iqama, your licence with an Arabic translation, certificates from an eye doctor and a general physician, and photos. Many foreigners have to pass a theory and a driving test, and exemption from the test depends on nationality.

Since 1 October 2026 the Egyptian Interior Ministry has been trialling «one window» payment at traffic offices and has reduced the fees for issuing and renewing licences. The total is shown on a board in the office.

How big the deposit is and what you need to rent

The rental price depends on the car class, season and period, and a day usually costs less when you rent for a month. Think about the deposit in advance, it is the biggest sum when you pick up the car.

You will pay the deposit by card, so check beforehand whether your card works abroad, more in money in Egypt.

• The deposit is blocked on the main driver's credit card. For example, Alamo at Cairo airport lists a deposit of 650 dollars for an economy car and 1650 dollars for premium models.
• Many companies do not accept debit or prepaid cards at pickup. The card must be in the renter's name.
• The minimum age ranges from 20 to 25 depending on the company, and young drivers pay a surcharge.
• Small local rental firms may have softer terms, but read their contract and insurance especially carefully.

What the insurance covers

Every car in Egypt gets compulsory liability insurance at registration. The British Foreign Office warns that its cover is limited and suggests considering additional insurance.

Rentals usually include CDW damage cover with an excess. At Alamo in Cairo, for example, the excess is 500 to 1500 dollars depending on the class, and this cover excludes the interior, tyres, windscreen and underbody. Third party liability is included there only up to 500 dollars. So ask about full cover without an excess and read what it excludes.

Before driving off, film the car from all sides, photograph the mileage and fuel level and send the pictures to the manager in a chat.

The main traffic rules

• Traffic drives on the right.
• The driver and the front passenger must wear seat belts. According to the Egyptian press in 2026, the fine is 100 to 300 pounds.
• Holding a phone while driving is banned, with a fine of 100 to 300 pounds and 3 points off your driving record. Headsets and hands free calls are allowed.
• Drink driving is a serious offence that can bring a fine and even prison.
• Speed is monitored by cameras and radars, follow the limits on the signs.
• Always carry your licence, IDP, passport, rental contract and the car papers, they are checked at checkpoints.

Fines and the new traffic law

Egypt applies Traffic Law No. 66 of 1973 with amendments. In December 2025 the government approved amendments with tougher fines, but on 3 February 2026 they were withdrawn from parliament to prepare a new comprehensive law. As far as we know, as of October 2026 the new law has not been passed, so fine amounts circulating on social media may be wrong.

You can check fines by plate number on the Public Prosecution website ppo.gov.eg. The rental company may charge you for camera fines even after you return the car, so check this in the contract.

Check current rules on the Egyptian Interior Ministry website and in Egyptian news.

Tips for trips around the country

• Do not drive outside cities and resorts at night, as the British Foreign Office advises. Highways are poorly lit, and speed bumps are often unmarked.
• Fill up in advance, some stretches between cities have few petrol stations.
• Do not go off road into the desert without a guide, such trips need a permit from the Interior Ministry.
• In Sinai carry your original passport, a copy is not always accepted at checkpoints. Read about the road to the sea in how to get from Cairo to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
• If you would rather not drive in chaotic Cairo traffic, a car with a driver is easier.

Car rentals on Tullab

In car rental Russian speaking residents of Egypt rent out cars by the day, week and month, and in transfers and taxis you can find a car with a driver.

Renting out your car? Post a free ad and state the terms right away: deposit, minimum period, which licence is required and what the insurance covers.