The Short Answer: No IDP Required, Official Translation Needed
If your driver's license was issued in Belgium, you cannot use an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Japan. Japan does not recognize IDPs from Belgium because it is not a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention.
Instead, under a special bilateral agreement (Article 107-2 of the Japanese Road Traffic Act), you can drive in Japan legally by carrying three documents at all times:
| Required Document | Status / Details |
|---|---|
| Original Belgian License | Must be valid and physical (not expired or digital). |
| Official Japanese Translation | Must be issued by an authorized body like the JAF or your country's Embassy in Japan. |
| Your Passport | Must show your original tourist entry stamp. |
How to Obtain an Official JAF Translation Online
While you can physically visit JAF offices in Japan, it often takes several hours or days and is highly disruptive to your travel schedule. We provide a 100% online remote translation service where you simply upload a photo of your license and get your official translation digitally before your trip.
Flexible Urgency & Pricing Table
Choose the processing speed that matches your travel departure date:
| Plan / Urgency | Processing Time | Delivery Format |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Plan | 3-4 weeks | PDF via Email |
| Express Plan | 2-3 weeks | PDF via Email |
| Rush Plan | Approx. 1 week | PDF via Email |
Apply for Your JAF Belgian License Translation
Get your official Japanese translation digitally before you fly. 100% legal for car rentals in Japan.
Apply Online Now →