- 52 nationalities can now drive in the United Arab Emirates using their home license during the tour.
- Residents of those countries can exchange their licenses for the UAE.
- No driving test required; Conditions apply on the basis of travel or residence status.
- South Korea: License exchange only, not recognized for visitors.
The United Arab Emirates has announced an update under its “Marco” initiative, which has been introduced by the Interior Ministry as part of the ongoing efforts to organize public services and improve access to visitors. This initiative supports the country’s widespread move towards digital rule and is aimed at simplifying procedures related to driving license recognition and exchange.This update allows citizens of 52 countries to drive in the United Arab Emirates using their country’s driving license during a visit, and enables them to exchange their licenses for the UAE license. If they obtain residency, without the need to undergo theoretical or practical driving tests. This decision reflects the wide purpose of the UAE to facilitate uninterrupted dynamics for visitors, providing mutual benefits to the UK citizens. The initiative aligns with the strategic objective of providing electronic and smart services in the UAE government sectors. It also works in both ways, not only foreign visitors can drive in the UAE with their national license, but also UAE citizens can use or exchange their driving license abroad in partner countries.
License recognition and exchange
The ministry’s structure distinguishes between two major processes: recognition and exchange, with each specific terms and target users. This applies to non-residents or visitors in the UAE. Under the recognition policy, visitors can drive using their national driving license during their stay, provided they do not be in the country for residence purposes, no additional tests or local licenses are required.
exchange
This applies to the residents of the United Arab Emirates who have a valid foreign driving license. They are allowed to exchange their national license for the UAE driving license when they meet specific requirements, in which there is no need for theory or road testing. This exchange is valid only after receiving the UAE residence permit.Both recognition and exchange options are applied to vehicle categories, usually motorcycles and light vehicles, which vary by nationality and are capable through mutual agreements or memorandum (MoU) between the United Arab Emirates and the countries concerned.
Requirements and conditions
It depends on that a person is going or residing in the United Arab Emirates, various requirements apply:
For recognition (visitor)
To drive in the United Arab Emirates using the national license:
- Visitors should not be in UAE for resident purposes.
- Visitors must have a valid national driving license.
The license must cover the vehicle type, usually motorcycles and light vehicles that differ from nationality To exchange a foreign license for UAE license:
- Applicant should have citizenship of the country eligible for exchange.
- A valid UAE residence permit is required.
- The applicant must have a valid and permanent national driving license.
- The minimum age requirement should be met, which is 17 years or more.
- A medical (vision) test must be passed.
- Any additional legal or administrative requirements should be met.
- Some nationalities may need to surrender their original license, depending on bilateral agreements.
Application process and fee
- The exchange process is performed through digital “Murorcus” platform.
- The fee is AED 600.
- Applicants must have a legal translation of their foreign license and a copy of the origin.
- The UAE license can be issued electronically or given by the courier depending on the choice of the applicant.
Eligible countries for recognition and exchange
The update list consists of 52 countries, whose citizens are now allowed to exchange them for the UAE license on using their national license in the UAE or obtaining a residency. This includes:Estonia, Albania, Portugal, China, Hungary, Greece, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Cyprus, Latvia, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Malta, Iceland, Montenegro, Israel, Azerbaijan, Bellas, Baclas, Baclas, Uzabecian, Uzabecian, Uzabecian Yuzbeccion, Eusbec’s, Belaies Germany, Italy, Sweden, Ireland, Spain, Norway, New Zealand, Romania, Singapore, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Finland, United Kingdom, Turkey, Canada, Poland, South Africa, Australia, Crust, Crustsia, Texas, Northern McCedon, Kosovo, The Curiz Republic. It is important to note that South Korean citizens can exchange their driving license for the UAE license only after becoming residents. They are not allowed to use their national license for driving in UAE while traveling.
Profit and extensive impact
This policy update provides important benefits for both visitors and residents:
- For visitors: This eliminates the need to obtain temporary driving permits or go through local testing procedures, leading to more accessible and convenient travel in the UAE.
- For residents: Foreign citizens, who move from eligible countries to the United Arab Emirates, can now get a UAE driving license with minimal bureaucracy, supporting their integration and dynamics within the country.
For UAE citizens abroad: the system is mutual. Emirati citizens can use their UAE driving license in countries with mutual recognition agreements. Without such a system, in nations, they can apply for an international driving permit (IDP), which is recognized under the United Nations Conference.Q. Can tourists drive in the United Arab Emirates using their home license?Yes, if they are one of the 52 eligible countries and meet the conditions required for recognition.Q. Do I need to take a driving test to get a UAE license?No, eligible residents can exchange their national license without principles or practical trials.Q. What type of vehicles are included under this rule?Categories, usually motorcycles and light vehicles vary by nationality depending on bilateral agreements.Q. What is the cost of license exchange?The cost of service is AED 600 and is processed through a digital murokhous platform.Q. What documents are required to exchange license?You will need to pass a valid residence permit, original national license, a legal translation and a vision test. Additional requirements may apply on your nationality basis.
