International permit or JAF translation: which one do you need for Japan?
· 5 min read
The classic confusion
"I have an international driving permit, I'm fine for Japan": this is THE sentence that costs European travellers the most. The international permit issued in France, Switzerland, Belgium or Monaco is based on the 1968 Vienna Convention… which Japan never ratified. Result: that document has no value there.
What Japanese law says
Japan recognises international permits under the 1949 Geneva Convention (United States, United Kingdom, etc.). For six countries and territories — France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, Germany, Taiwan (and Slovenia) — it applies a special regime: the national licence accompanied by its official Japanese translation, issued exclusively by JAF.
The verdict by country
French, Swiss, Belgian, Monegasque or Taiwanese licence → official JAF translation required, international permit useless. American, British, Canadian licence → Geneva Convention international permit. When in doubt, check the issuing country of your licence, not your nationality.
How to get the JAF translation effortlessly
With Michi, it all comes down to one 5-minute form: you upload photos of your licence, our team checks your file, obtains the official translation from JAF and delivers it to you — as a PDF within 72h on the Priority plan. Travel with peace of mind, with no paperwork and no bad surprise on arrival.