Youngest Drinking Age in the World — Countries & Laws Guide

Countries with lowest drinking ages

• No legal minimum (16 with parent in some): Cambodia, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic.
• Age 16 — Beer + wine only: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Croatia, Slovenia.
• Age 16 — All alcohol: Cyprus, Malta, Portugal (gentle enforcement).
• Age 17: Cyprus (consumption only).
• Age 18 — Most of Europe: UK, France, Spain, Ireland, Greece, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Russia, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria.
• Age 18 — Africa + Asia: Argentina (provinces 16-18), Brazil, Mexico (Mexican states 18), Australia, NZ, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand 20.
• Age 18 — North America (some): Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua.
• Age 19: South Korea, Alberta + Manitoba + Quebec (Canada).
• Age 20: Japan, Iceland, Paraguay, Thailand (formerly 18, raised 2008).
• Age 21: USA (since 1984 National Minimum Drinking Age Act), Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka.
• Age 25: Eritrea (highest in world).
• Alcohol banned: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, Libya, Sudan (Sharia), Yemen, Brunei.

Why drinking ages differ

• Cultural factors: wine cultures (France, Italy, Spain) introduce alcohol at meals younger.
• Religious influence: Sharia law bans alcohol entirely.
• Public health policy: USA, Scandinavia raised age to reduce drunk driving deaths.
• Independence age: some countries align with voting + military age (18).
• Northern Europe binge drinking: stricter laws Nordic countries.
• Mediterranean culture: alcohol normalized with family meals.
• Historical: USA Prohibition (1920-33) led to younger age 21 reset.
• Tax revenue: some countries lower age to capture youth spending.
• EU minimum: no EU-wide drinking age — each country sets own.
• Recent changes: Thailand raised 18→20 (2008). Russia raised 16→18 (2010s).

Drinking age by region (full breakdown)

• Western Europe (16): Germany, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Italy, Denmark — beer + wine 16, spirits 18.
• Western Europe (18): UK, France, Spain, Ireland, Netherlands, Greece, Portugal — all 18 for all alcohol.
• Eastern Europe (18): Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria — 18.
• Nordic (18): Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Iceland 20.
• North America (21): USA strictest. Canada 18-19 by province. Mexico 18.
• South America (18-21): mostly 18. Brazil + Argentina 18. Chile 18. Paraguay 20.
• Asia varied: Japan 20, S. Korea 19, China 18 (official), Vietnam 18, Thailand 20, Singapore 18, Hong Kong 18, India varies by state (18-25).
• Middle East: alcohol banned (Saudi, Iran, Yemen, Kuwait) OR limited to non-Muslims (UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman).
• Africa: mostly 18. South Africa 18. Egypt 21. Sudan Sharia banned.
• Oceania: Australia 18. New Zealand 18. Pacific islands vary.

Travel considerations

• Don\’t assume your home age applies: US travelers in Mexico 18 OK, but 18 in Canada Quebec, 19 Ontario.
• European wine culture: Italians/French may serve teens watered wine at meals — not legal restaurant purchase.
• US drinking age limits study abroad: some US universities don\’t allow 18-21 drinking even legally.
• Spring break Mexico (18-21): high alcohol-related accidents. Mexico age 18 legal but US laws may apply on return.
• Cruise ships: apply destination port law OR ship\’s flag country law (typically 18-21). Check before booking.
• International flights: drinks served by airline policy. Often 18+ but US carriers may apply 21.
• Drinking in public: legal in most Europe. NOT legal in many US states.
• Driving alcohol: ZERO tolerance in Brazil, Argentina, Eastern Europe. 0.08% BAC USA. 0.05% UK.
• ID always: bring passport — drivers licenses sometimes not accepted.
• Best drinking destinations for younger travelers: Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy (wine country) for 16+.

Enforcement + fines

• USA: strict enforcement — fake IDs felony. Sellers face $1,000+ fine + license revocation.
• Germany: 16-year-old drinking beer with adult permitted in many bars.
• UK: 16-17 can drink wine/beer with meal + parent. Pub drinking 18+ only.
• France: 18 strict. Underage purchase fine €450-1,500.
• Italy: 18+ for purchase. Drinking with parents at meals tolerated.
• Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Finland): state alcohol monopolies (Systembolaget, Vinmonopolet, Alko) strictly enforce age.
• Russia: 18+ enforced. Alcohol from supermarkets restricted 11pm-8am.
• Japan: 20+ ID rarely checked but enforcement strict for businesses.
• South Korea: 19+ enforcement focused on selling, not consumption.
• Cruise ship: on US-flag ships, 21+. International 18+.

Frequently Asked Questions

Youngest legal drinking age world?

No legal minimum in Cambodia + Sierra Leone + Central African Republic. Age 16 for beer/wine in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Denmark.

Why is US drinking age 21?

1984 National Minimum Drinking Age Act tied federal highway funding to state laws raising age to 21. Aimed to reduce drunk driving deaths.

Drinking age in Europe?

Mostly 16 for beer/wine in Germany/Austria/Switzerland/Belgium/Italy/Denmark. 18 for spirits. UK/France/Spain/Ireland all 18 for all alcohol.

Is alcohol legal in Saudi Arabia?

No — alcohol banned under Sharia law. Same in Iran, Kuwait, Libya, Sudan, Yemen, Brunei. UAE/Bahrain/Qatar limit alcohol to non-Muslims + licensed venues.

Japan drinking age?

20 — among highest in Asia. Established 1948. Strict enforcement on businesses but rarely on consumers.

Country with highest drinking age?

Eritrea (25). Then USA + Sri Lanka + Solomon Islands (21). Most countries 18-19. Some no minimum legally.

See also

• Drinking age Armenia
• Drinking age Liechtenstein
• Drinking age Iceland
• Drinking age Ibiza