- SPF allows foreigners in Singapore under 12 months to drive on a valid foreign licence, as at October 2026.
- An IDP or an official English translation is also needed, except ASEAN drivers.
- A foreign-registered car needs a Vehicle Entry Permit, valid up to 14 days for Social Visit Pass holders.
Yes, a visitor can drive in Singapore on a valid foreign licence without converting it, as at October 2026. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) adds one paper, an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official English translation, and ASEAN drivers need no IDP. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) requires a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) for a foreign-registered car.
A visitor from Australia lands at Changi on a Friday and collects a hire car on the Saturday, holding an English-language licence. The visitor, the dates and the car are assumptions for this example. The paper in the glovebox is an IDP or an official English translation.
This is official information for a short-stay visitor, not legal advice. Fines and resident licences are separate topics, as are drug laws for tourists.
Can tourists drive in Singapore with a foreign licence?
SPF states that a foreigner residing in Singapore for less than 12 months with a valid foreign driving licence has no need to convert it, as at October 2026. Foreigners employed as drivers on a Work Permit or S Pass must convert, and a new citizen or permanent resident has up to three months on the foreign licence. Neither is a tourist.
Do tourists need an International Driving Permit?
SPF requires a foreigner residing in Singapore for less than 12 months to hold a foreign licence and an IDP issued by an authorised body in the country of origin, as at October 2026. An official English translation meets the rule where no IDP is available. It comes from the embassy or high commission, or else a local registered translation company. In wallet terms, an ASEAN licence needs nothing extra and any other licence needs an IDP or the translation.
Can you drive a foreign-registered car into Singapore?
A foreign-registered car needs a valid VEP for its whole stay, as at October 2026. For Social Visit Pass holders it is valid up to 14 days from entry, and the electronic visit pass sets a visitor’s period of stay. A Malaysia-registered car needs an Autopass card, insurance, road tax and the VEP approval email, shown on request. LTA advises applying 2 weeks ahead.
Vehicles with an expired VEP or insurance face enforcement, including seizure. From 1 January 2027 LTA raises the VEP fee from S$35 to S$50 a day, charged on weekdays outside public holidays.
Frequently asked questions about driving in Singapore
Can tourists drive in Singapore?
Yes, a tourist can drive in Singapore on a valid foreign driving licence, as at October 2026. SPF states there is no need to convert the licence for a foreigner residing in Singapore for less than 12 months. The driver also carries an IDP or an official English translation, except drivers from an ASEAN member state. A foreign-registered car needs a VEP.
Do tourists need an International Driving Permit in Singapore?
Yes, except for ASEAN drivers, as at October 2026. SPF requires a foreigner residing in Singapore for less than 12 months to hold a foreign driving licence and an IDP issued by an authorised body in the country of origin. An official English translation of the licence stands in where no IDP is available. Drivers from an ASEAN member state need no IDP.
Can you drive in Singapore with a foreign licence?
Yes, for under 12 months, as at October 2026. SPF states that a foreigner residing in Singapore for less than 12 months with a valid foreign licence has no need to convert it. Foreigners employed as drivers on a Work Permit or S Pass must convert, and a new citizen or permanent resident has up to three months on the foreign licence.
Do ASEAN drivers need an IDP in Singapore?
No, a driver from an ASEAN member state needs no IDP, as at October 2026. SPF asks for a valid foreign driving licence and no other paper. Other foreigners residing in Singapore for less than 12 months carry the licence with an IDP or an official English translation. A Malaysia-registered car driven in by an ASEAN driver still needs a VEP.
How long is a VEP valid for tourists?
Up to 14 days from the date of the vehicle’s entry for Social Visit Pass holders, as at October 2026. LTA requires a valid VEP for a foreign-registered vehicle’s whole stay. To keep a car longer, a request goes to LTA through its online feedback form at least 5 days before the VEP expires. Seizure is among the actions for an expired VEP.
Sources
- Singapore Police Force: Singapore Driving Licence
- Land Transport Authority: Cars and Motorcycles Registered in Malaysia
- Land Transport Authority: Updates for Foreign-Registered Vehicles Entering Singapore
- Immigration and Checkpoints Authority: Visa Guidelines
Reviewed and updated by Jarrod Partridge, 31 October 2026.
