Short answer. You can rent a car in Baku with a UAE licence or another Gulf one. The UAE joined the 1968 Vienna Convention in 2007. Saudi Arabia joined in 2016. Both licences print your name in Latin letters. Bring the card, your passport and your e-visa. Book early if you travel in July or August.
Updated 9 August 2026.
On this page
Can you rent a car in Baku with a UAE licence?
| Country | Joined the Vienna Convention | IDP needed? |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | 10 January 2007 | No, if the Latin line is there |
| Saudi Arabia | 12 May 2016 | No, if the Latin line is there |
| Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman | Rules differ | Bring one to be safe |
Most Gulf licences are printed in two languages. Arabic on one side, English on the other.
The English side is what matters here. Azerbaijan needs Latin letters, and you already have them.
Does your card show Arabic only? Then get an international permit at home. You cannot get one after you land.
Why do Gulf families come in summer?
Baku sits at about 26 to 32 degrees in July. Gabala and Sheki are cooler and green. Our guide to the best months has the details.
Cooler weather is the whole reason. You leave 45 degrees and arrive somewhere you can walk outside.
The Gulf summer also makes July and August our busiest months. Larger cars go first. Book two or three weeks ahead.
Which car should a family take?
A family of four should take a mid-size crossover from 48 USD a day. Groups of five or more need an SUV or a minivan.
| Group | What to take | From |
|---|---|---|
| Couple, city only | Sedan or crossover | 48 USD per day |
| Family of four with luggage | Mid-size crossover | 48 USD per day |
| Family of five or six | SUV or minivan | 65 USD per day |
| Seven or more people | Minivan or Sprinter | 80 USD per day |
| Mountain trips to Gabala or Quba | SUV | 65 USD per day |
See our SUVs and our guide to minivans and seven-seaters. We deliver to your hotel or the airport.
What is different from driving at home?
Five things differ from driving at home in the Gulf. The first one catches almost everyone.
Speed limits are much lower. Cities are 60 km/h. Motorways are 110 km/h. Azerbaijan has no 140 km/h road.
Cameras issue the fines. The cameras are dense in Baku and on the highways. Going 21 to 40 over costs 50 AZN. Going 41 to 60 over costs 200 AZN.
The alcohol limit is 0.00. Alcohol is legal and sold openly in Azerbaijan. Driving after any amount is not.
Fuel costs more than at home. AI-92 is 1.10 AZN per litre. AI-95 is 1.60 AZN. Diesel is 1.00 AZN.
Parking in the centre is paid. Parking costs 1 to 2 AZN an hour, through the AzParking app. Street parking is free after 22:00 and on Sundays.
Where do families actually drive?
Three routes cover most trips from Baku.
- Gabala, about 220 km. Mountains, waterfalls and cool air. A full day, or better two.
- Gobustan, about 65 km. Rock carvings and mud volcanoes. The last stretch is unsurfaced.
- Quba and Shahdag, about 170 km. Green in summer, snow in winter.
Drive the long parts in daylight. Rural roads are poorly lit and animals cross them.
What do you need to rent?
Your licence, your passport and your e-visa. Gulf citizens get the Azerbaijani ASAN e-visa online.
You must be 19 or older with one year of driving history. Full conditions are on the terms page.
What do we ask a Gulf driver for?
- Your national licence works for the first 30 days after you enter.
- An international permit removes that 30-day limit.
- Passport and licence are the only documents we need from you.
- Deposit 200 to 300 USD, in cash or blocked on a card.
- Minimum rental 2 days, with no mileage limit.
- The contract is explained in English, Turkish or Russian.
The list of countries in the 1968 road traffic treaty is public. The register sits with the United Nations.
We have rented cars in Baku since 2023 and run 105 cars today. The office is open 24/7 and the phone answers at night.
BookingCarBaku staff speak Azerbaijani, Russian, English and Turkish.
Common questions
Is my UAE licence enough on its own?
Yes, a UAE licence is enough in Azerbaijan on its own. Your name must be printed in Latin letters. Almost every modern Emirates card shows both languages.
Do you have child seats?
Ask our Baku office when you book. Tell us the ages so we bring the right seats.
Are there halal restaurants outside Baku?
Yes, halal restaurants are easy to find outside Baku. Most Azerbaijani food is halal by default, and pork is rare on menus.
Can we rent two cars for one group?
Yes, you can rent two cars for one group. In Azerbaijan each driver needs their own licence and their own contract.
How early should we book for August?
Book two to three weeks ahead for August. In Baku large cars and minivans go first in summer.
Is a driver available instead?
Yes, a driver is available instead. See our Baku cars with a driver if you prefer not to drive.
Tell us your dates and group size on WhatsApp. We will hold the right car. Contact us here.
