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Can I drive in Switzerland with a UK license?

If you are visiting Switzerland, you can drive on a full, valid UK driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents. If you're living in Switzerland, check the Living in Switzerland Guide for information on requirements for residents.



Yes, you can drive in Switzerland with a valid UK driving license, and you do not currently need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for short-term visits. Your full UK license is recognized for up to 12 months from your date of entry. However, there are several strict requirements you must follow to avoid heavy fines. If you are driving on Swiss motorways (marked with green signs), you must have a motorway vignette—a toll sticker that costs 40 CHF and is valid for the calendar year. As of 2026, you can purchase an electronic vignette linked to your number plate online before you enter the country. If you are driving your own UK-registered car, you must display a "UK" sticker on the rear of the vehicle (the old "GB" stickers are no longer valid). It is also important to note that Switzerland has extremely strict traffic laws, including "zero tolerance" for speeding and very low drink-drive limits. If you are a resident in Switzerland, you must exchange your UK license for a Swiss one within one year of your arrival. For tourists, simply having your pink photocard license and the appropriate insurance documents (and the vignette) is sufficient for a road trip through the Alps.

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