The Canary Islands do not appear on their own in the UN treaty list, which covers states. Check which IDP is accepted with the official source before you travel.
The Canary Islands do not appear on their own in the UN treaty list, which covers states. Check which IDP is accepted with the official source before you travel.
Which IDP version the Canary Islands accept
The Canary Islands do not appear on their own in the UN treaty list, which covers states. Check which IDP is accepted with the official source before you travel.
| Convention | Status |
|---|---|
| 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic | Not a party |
| 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic | Not a party |
Source: United Nations Treaty Collection.
Getting the right IDP for the Canary Islands
Check with the official source which IDP the Canary Islands accept before you apply.
What the UK, US and Canadian governments tell their citizens
Canadian licence holders need an IDP.
UK licence holdersNot covered by this source.
US licence holdersNot covered by this source.
Canadian licence holdersIDP required.Source: Government of Canada, updated 24 September 2026
What the governments say
Government of Canada
You can drive in Spain with your valid Canadian driver’s licence and an international driving permit for up to 6 months. For stays longer than 6 months, you must obtain a local driver’s licence.
Source: Government of Canada travel advice for the Canary Islands, updated 24 September 2026.
Road conditions in the Canary Islands
Canada describes road safety in the Canary Islands as follows:
Road conditions and road safety can vary throughout the archipelago. Some drivers are aggressive and drive at excessive speeds.
Source: Government of Canada.
Questions
Can I drive in the Canary Islands with a foreign licence?
The Canary Islands do not appear on their own in the UN treaty list, which covers states. Check which IDP is accepted with the official source before you travel.
Do Canadian licence holders need an IDP in the Canary Islands?
Yes. Source: Government of Canada, updated 24 September 2026.
How long can I drive in the Canary Islands with an IDP?
Government of Canada (updated 24 September 2026): “You can drive in Spain with your valid Canadian driver’s licence and an international driving permit for up to 6 months. For stays longer than 6 months, you must obtain a local driver’s licence.”
About International Driving Permits
A 1949 IDP is valid for 1 year from issue, a 1968 IDP for up to 3 years.
What an IDP is and how to get one
Related
- International Driving Permit: all countries
- Do I need an IDP in Western Sahara?
- Do I need an IDP in Mauritania?
- Do I need an IDP in Portugal?
- Is It Safe to Travel to the Canary Islands?
Sources and methodology
- Government of Canada: travel advice for the Canary Islands, Open Government Licence – Canada.
- United Nations Treaty Collection: status of the 1949 and 1968 road traffic conventions.
Licences and full attribution for all sources
Last updated 9 November 2026. Government advice changes often: confirm the current rules with the official source before you travel.