Yes — you can drive in Switzerland with your Indian driving license, but there are a few important rules and limitations 🚗🇨🇭:
✅ Short-term Visitors (Tourists) #
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If you are visiting Switzerland for less than 12 months, you can use your valid Indian driving license.
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However, your license must be:
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In English, German, French, or Italian (Switzerland’s official languages), or
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Accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP).
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Since most Indian licenses are in English, many rental agencies will accept them — but some may insist on an IDP, so it’s best to carry one.
📝 After 12 Months (Residents) #
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If you move to Switzerland and stay longer than a year, you must exchange your Indian license for a Swiss license.
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This usually involves:
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A vision test 👀
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A theory or practical driving test (depending on your canton’s rules)
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During the first 12 months, you can drive on your Indian license, but after that it’s no longer valid.
🚙 Car Rentals #
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Most rental companies require:
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A valid license (Indian is fine if readable in English)
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Age usually 21+ (sometimes 25 for premium cars)
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A credit card for deposit
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Many companies strongly recommend or require an IDP alongside your Indian license, so it’s safer to have one.
⚠️ Important Notes #
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Switzerland has strict traffic rules: heavy fines for speeding, mandatory seatbelts, headlights on even during the day, and zero tolerance for drunk driving.
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Driving in the mountains requires special care — roads can be narrow, winding, and steep.
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A vignette (toll sticker) is required for using motorways, but rental cars usually come with one.
✅ In short: Yes, you can drive in Switzerland with your Indian license for up to 12 months, but carrying an International Driving Permit is highly recommended — especially if you plan to rent a car.
