If you're thinking of travelling to Europe in your campervan, there are some great adventures ahead of you. But it pays to be prepared.
Following the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, there are a few changes to note about driving your campervan in Europe. We’ve put together a helpful list of tips you should consider before heading off on your travels across the English Channel.
Remember your passport
The most important document to remember when travelling to Europe is your passport. If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must meet the Schengen area rules. Many countries have different requirements for your passport, but as a general rule of thumb, your passport must meet two key requirements. It must be:
- less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
- valid for at least 6 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
If this is not the case, ensure that you renew your passport before you book any travels.
Visa requirements
When travelling around Europe, you must hold a valid travel visa. The requirement of a visa depends entirely on the length of your holiday. If you are travelling for less than 90 days for leisure purposes, then you do not require a visa to enter the EU.
Are you travelling for longer than 90 days? You will require a Schengen State visa for each individual person entering the EU. For more information or to apply visit the Schengen Visa website.
Don't forget your driver's licence
You will require a valid UK driver’s licence when travelling abroad. Following the UK's exit from the European Union in January 2021, you also no longer require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in most EU countries. However, depending on which country you are visiting and how long you are planning to stay you may still require an IDP. We recommend visiting the Government website to check whether an IDP is required for the country you are visiting or travelling through.
Covid restrictions
Although Covid travel restrictions for returning to the UK have been removed, many European countries are still requesting proof of vaccination status before entering. It is important to check you have valid certification such as the NHS Covid Pass either printed or displayed on your mobile phone via the app.
Vehicle insurance
When driving in the EU, you need to ensure have a minimum coverage of third party insurance. You may need to contact your insurance company for full details of your coverage, as well if you want to upgrade.
Following the changes from the European Commission in August 2021, you no longer require a Green Card to travel to the European Union (including Ireland).
If you are visiting or driving through any other country you may require a Green Card. This can be confirmed and purchased by contacting your insurer and paying a small fee. For more information about requiring a Green Card, visit the Government website.
EU Vehicle Travel Kit
Following changes from September 2021, you are now required to display a UK sticker, which replaces the GB sticker that is normally placed on the bumper of your vehicle. These can be purchased from our shop as part of the legally required Vehicle Travel Kit which also includes:
- Spare bulb kit
- Warning triangle
- High visibility vest for each occupant of the vehicle
- First aid kit
Ultra low emission zones in Europe
Like the UK, many cities and areas within Europe have implemented Ultra Low Emission Zones or ULEZs, in particular France, where particular types of vehicles are regulated or even restricted to entering certain urban areas – and it could even depend on the air quality on a particular day whether restrictions are put in place. To find out if your route has a ultra low emission zone, visit the Urban Access Regulations website.
Key documentation to carry with you
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- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provides access to medically necessary state-provided healthcare when visiting an EU country or Switzerland. You can apply for your EHIC/GHIC through the NHS website.
- Valid MOT certificate if your vehicle is more than three years old
- Ensure your vehicle is taxed
- V5 log book or a VE103 document for rented/hired vehicles
Travelling with pets
The convenience of a campervan allows you to travel with your entire family, pets included! If you do plan to take your furry friends with you across the Channel, you will require an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from your vet for every pet you have on board.
There are some pre-travel requisites before taking your pet abroad, including the following:
- You must have your dog, cat or ferret microchipped.
- Vaccinate your dog, cat or ferret against rabies – your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before it can be vaccinated.
- Wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel.
- Visit your vet to get an AHC for your pet around a month before your travels and no more than ten days before travel to the EU.
Taking food into Europe
Be aware that you are not able to take meat or diary products into the EU, including:
- meat or products containing meat
- milk or dairy products
Once you are in a European country, you are able to purchase dairy and meat products, for your consumption only.
With all this in mind, there are some very exciting places you can visit from the comfort of your campervan. If you are looking purchase a campervan, take a look at our campervans that are available to drive away today.