Spain has bilateral agreements with a large number of countries around the world so that national driving licenses are mutually recognized.
This is the case in countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Turkey, Ukraine, North Macedonia, Serbia, South Korea, the Philippines or New Zealand.
Also in most Latin American countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Peru, Dominican Republic, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, El Salvador, Guatemala and Brazil.
In addition, at the level of the European Union and its 27 States, as well as in the area of free movement Schengen which also includes Switzerland, Norway and Iceland, the Spanish driving license is fully valid.
However, there are many countries that demand the International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to the national permit. In Europe, for example, Russia and Belarus require it.
The IDP is theoretically mandatory in Mexico, Cuba, Egypt, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. Also in India, Thailand, Vietnam, Fiji or Papua New Guinea.
In addition, it is advisable to get it to drive in Canada and the United States, where not all provinces of the former and not many states of the latter recognize the Spanish license. Something similar happens in Australia.
The IDP can be obtained online through the Electronic Registry of the DGT or in person at a Traffic office. It costs 10.51 euros and is valid for one year.