Introduction

Everyone riding a motorbike in Vietnam needs two things: a domestic motorbike license and a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP). The good news for Belgians is that you’re not caught out on the IDP side the way American, Canadian or New Zealand riders are — Belgium issues the correct version by default. The part worth understanding is how your Belgian A1/A2/A license maps onto Vietnam’s simpler system.

The 1968 International Driving Permit

There are two IDP conventions in use internationally — 1949 and 1968 — and Vietnam only recognises the 1968 version. Belgium issues the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP as standard, so any Belgian IDP you apply for at home will already be the correct one for Vietnam.

You apply at your local commune or gemeente (the population service desk), not through a private motoring organisation. You’ll need your valid Belgian driving license, your ID card, and a passport-style photo. The fee is set locally and varies by commune — typically somewhere in the €25–€40 range — and it’s worth booking an appointment in advance, as most communes require one. It’s valid for as long as your underlying license is valid, up to a maximum of 3 years.

Domestic License & Belgium’s A1/A2/A Classes

Belgium uses the standard EU motorcycle license structure, with three categories based on power rather than a simple cc split:

•         A1 — up to 125cc and 11kW, minimum age 18
•         A2 — up to 35kW, minimum age 20
•         A — unrestricted, minimum age 24 (or 22 if you’ve held an A2 for at least 2 years)

Vietnam’s system is simpler — just A1 (50–125cc) and full A (anything over 125cc) — so it doesn’t have a direct equivalent to the A2 category. In practice, this isn’t a problem: if you hold an A2 or full A license and your 1968 IDP carries the A stamp, this covers you for any bike size in Vietnam. Only a Belgian A1 license restricts you to Vietnam’s 125cc A1 class.

One thing to double check when you apply for your IDP at the commune: make sure the stamp on it matches your actual license category (A1, or A for A2/A holders), since this is what determines what you’re covered to ride here.

Where You’re Likely to Be Checked

The Ha Giang Loop is where document checks actually happen, and police there specifically know the difference between a 1949 and a 1968 IDP. Elsewhere in Vietnam, checks are far less common. Riding without valid documents typically results in a fine of 2–3 million VND (roughly $80–120 USD), though we’ve heard of fines as high as 7 million VND.

Travel Insurance

Even with the right paperwork for Vietnam, it’s worth checking directly with your travel insurance provider on exactly what they require — requirements vary and don’t always match Vietnam’s legal minimum.

Summary: What Belgians Need

•         A Belgian motorbike license matching your engine size (A2 or full A for anything over 125cc)
•         A 1968 IDP from your commune with the matching A1 or A stamp
•         Confirmation from your travel insurer on what they require

Need a Motorbike for Your Vietnam Trip?

Not sure exactly what your license covers, or what you’ll need to rent with us? Get in touch — WhatsApp, email, or through our website — and we’ll help you sort it out before you arrive. Style Motorbikes — your adventure starts here.