Essential Insights for Motorhome Journeys Across Europe Post-BREXIT: 10 Crucial Points to Consider
With the new post-Brexit travel rules in effect, UK residents planning to drive their motorhomes, campervans, or tow a caravan across Europe need to be well-prepared. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the essential documents and requirements for a smooth journey.
**Driving Documents**
1. **Valid UK driving licence:** Ensure your driving licence is valid and up-to-date. 2. **Vehicle log book (V5C):** Carry your vehicle log book (V5C) to prove ownership and details of your vehicle. 3. **MOT certificate:** A certificate of your vehicle’s most recent MOT test is necessary. 4. **UK sticker:** Replace the traditional GB sticker with the current UK sticker, prominently displayed on your vehicle. 5. **Insurance documentation:** Carry a valid insurance policy. If you plan to travel outside the EU borders, a Green Card (international insurance certificate) is required. 6. **Additional certification for low-emission zones:** In countries like France, you may need to obtain specific emission stickers (Crit’Air) to comply with low-emission zone regulations and avoid fines.
**Passport and Travel Authorization**
1. **Passport:** Your passport remains the standard travel document, but from 2025, the EU requires British travellers to have an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorization, which involves registering details online before travel. 2. **ETIAS:** Be aware of the 90 days in every 180 days rule for stays within the Schengen Area, which restricts the length of stay without a visa.
**Healthcare and Travel Insurance**
1. **Travel and healthcare insurance:** The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has been replaced by new arrangements post-Brexit, so visitors should ensure they have adequate comprehensive travel and healthcare insurance for the duration of their trip. 2. **Breakdown cover:** Breakdown cover is strongly recommended, especially for older or lower-value vehicles, to avoid high costs for repairs and repatriation.
**Additional Notes**
1. **Country-specific requirements:** Different European countries may have specific documentation or vehicle requirements, so check the regulations for each destination. 2. **Restrictions on devices:** The use of devices such as dash cams may be restricted or regulated in some countries. 3. **Pet travel:** If you travel with pets, the UK and EU have reinstated pet passports to ease cross-border travel, replacing costly single-use Animal Health Certificates.
**Travelling with Pets**
The UK Pet passport scheme is obsolete, and an animal health certificate is required instead. For more information, visit Gov.UK.
**Brexit Border Changes**
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens will need separate lanes when queueing at the border. Data roaming charges in Europe are now applicable again. Please check with your network to see what they will charge you for using your phone/data abroad.
**Customs and Excise**
When returning to the UK, you may have to pay VAT, customs or excise duty on alcohol or tobacco you declare. Cyprus and Ireland are the only EU member states not in the Schengen area. Cyprus aims to become part of the Schengen Area by the end of 2025.
**Travelling with Animal Products**
There are restrictions on bringing animal products into the UK from the EU. For more information, visit Gov.UK.
**Alcohol Allowance**
When travelling from the EU to the UK, anyone aged 17+ can carry 42 litres of beer, 18 litres of wine (not sparkling), 4 litres of spirits and other liquors over 22% alcohol, 9 litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine and alcoholic drinks up to 22% alcohol, or a combination of these amounts.
In summary, to drive your motorhome, campervan, or tow a caravan from the UK to Europe after Brexit, ensure you carry your UK driving licence, vehicle log book (V5C), MOT certificate, UK sticker, insurance (and Green Card if outside the EU), valid passport with ETIAS (from 2025), and comprehensive travel and breakdown cover. Additionally, prepare for emission stickers in countries with low-emission zones and verify all country-specific requirements before departure. For more information, visit Gov.UK.
- To make your lifestyle transition smoother while traveling in Europe with your motorhome or caravan, remember to consider additional requirements, such as obtaining Crit'Air emission stickers for low-emission zones.
- Ensuring you have comprehensive pet insurance is crucial when embarking on a travel adventure with your furry companions, especially post-Brexit, as there are specific regulations and additional documentation required for pet travel.
