When people say “you need the right IDP for Vietnam”, the “right” part comes from a treaty concluded in Vienna in 1968.
What the convention is
The Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (1968) is a United Nations treaty that sets mutual recognition rules for driving documents among its parties. Vietnam acceded to the convention in 2014, according to the UN Economic Commission for Europe, which serves as the treaty secretariat. The convention entered into force in 1977 and has been ratified or acceded to by dozens of countries — but notably not the United States, Canada, China or Malaysia.
How Vietnamese law uses it
The convention by itself does not tell you what you may ride in Vietnam — domestic law does. Article 57(8) of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety (No. 36/2024/QH15) recognises, on Vietnamese territory, International Driving Permits and national licences issued by countries that are members of the 1968 convention, provided the licence matches the vehicle being ridden. Licences issued under the older 1949 Geneva Convention system are not in that list, which is why a 1949-convention IDP does not make motorbike riding legal here.
How to check your permit
- Look at your IDP booklet or card for a reference to the 1968 Vienna Convention
- Check that a motorcycle category is shown on it
- Check that your national licence also covers motorcycles
- Carry both documents when riding — Vietnamese decree fines even valid IDP holders who leave the national licence at home
If your country does not issue 1968-convention IDPs, your route is either a Vietnamese licence or exchange of your national licence after establishing residence.
Why this matters more than the fine
The fine for riding without valid documents is unpleasant; the accident scenario is worse. After a crash, an invalid licence can invalidate insurance claims and complicate liability, even if the other driver was at fault. Getting the paperwork right before you ride is the cheapest insurance you will ever arrange.
Information, not legal advice. Verified against the full text of Law 36/2024/QH15 and official UN/UNECE treaty material on 2026-09-21.