European Travel

Is it fine to take our vehicles to the EU you must let us know and pay the extra insurance beforehand.

Included in your hire will be an EU pack which includes – Headlight Stickers, Spare bulbs, Warning triangle, Breathalyzer kit, Hi Viz vests, First Aid, EU breakdown cover and Insurance.

Traveling to Europe Post-Brexit

Since Brexit, there are a few important things you need to check before traveling from the UK to the EU:

• Verify your passport (details below)
• Check your healthcare/travel insurance
• Ensure you have the correct driving documents
• Prepare pet travel documents if needed

Checking Your Passport

Passport expiry dates have become more complicated. For most European destinations, your British passport must have at least 3 months of validity from the date you plan to leave the country (or the EU).

Even if you’re not planning a full 90-day stay, it’s a good idea to renew your passport at least 6 months before it expires, as some countries still require 6 months of validity.

Additionally, your passport must be valid for no more than 10 years from the date of issue.

This is crucial: many passports issued in the last decade have an extra 9 months added on, but the EU won’t recognize this. So, for example, if your passport was issued on 1st September 2015, the EU will consider it expired on 1st September 2025, regardless of its printed expiry date.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months plus your travel time beyond this date. (Ireland is an exception – you can travel there as long as your passport is still valid.)

Also, if your passport is over 10 years old, renew it as soon as possible. You can do this online or at your local Post Office.

Important: You do not need a blue passport yet – continue using your red one, even if it still says “EU” on the cover. However, you won’t be able to use the EU citizen lanes at border control.

Insurance and Healthcare in Europe Post-Brexit

If you have an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), it remains valid until it expires. The new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) has replaced it, but its coverage isn’t as extensive.

In some countries, you’ll be required to pay a co-payment towards your state-provided treatment. This means you’ll pay the same charge as locals for healthcare services.

Note: The GHIC is free for eligible UK residents. Don’t pay for it – apply via the NHS website.

In short, expect to cover healthcare costs yourself or make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance before you go.

Driving in the EU Post-Brexit – Required Documents

If you plan to drive in the EU, make sure you have the following:

• Your UK card driving license (ensure it’s up to date!)
• Insurance documents
• Vehicle V5 logbook (with your correct address)
• Proof that your vehicle is taxed and MOT’d
• A UK sticker for your vehicle. In Spain, you must have the white oval UK sticker on the back, even if it’s on your registration plate.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) if required

Headlight Stickers

One of the most common but easily forgotten items is headlight converter stickers. If your vehicle is set up for UK roads, you might need to attach these to ensure your headlights don’t cause confusion when driving at night on the continent.

It’s a good idea to bring two sets (you’ll likely apply the first one wrong!). However, not all vehicles require these stickers. Some modern vehicles allow you to adjust the light settings—check your manual to be sure.

Angles Morts Stickers

If your vehicle weighs over 3.5 tonnes (or if you’re towing, making the total weight over 3.5 tonnes), and you’re visiting an urban area in France, you’ll need to apply Angles Morts (blind spot) stickers. You’ll need three—one on each side and one on the rear.

There are two types: truck or bus (bus is recommended for motorhomes). Be sure to place them in the correct spots on your vehicle. Here’s a guide to help you.

Tolls vs. Vignettes

Many people find tolls and vignettes confusing, so let me clarify. Most European countries require you to pay for using their main roads, either through a toll or a vignette system.

Countries like Switzerland, Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia use vignettes. To get one:

• Stop at a fuel station near the border displaying a “vignette” sign.
• Specify your vehicle’s weight and how long you’ll be in the country, and you’ll receive a sticker.

Make sure you place the sticker correctly on your windscreen, as required. (Removing them afterward can be tricky—they’re stickier than ferry pet stickers!)

For all other countries, you’ll pay tolls as you go, either by cash or card (most accept debit or credit). If you’re doing a lot of driving, consider getting a toll pass (a small device that attaches to your windscreen and is automatically detected). I use e-Movis, which charges as you drive and lets you speed through the fast toll lanes—especially helpful in the summer. For heavier vehicles, BroBizz works well in Norway.

If your vehicle is over 3 meters high or 3.5 tonnes, it may be classified as a Category 3 vehicle, so check before you go. And no, tolls don’t weigh your vehicle.

Speed Stickers

A question recently came up in our Facebook group: do you need speed stickers on your vehicle in France if you’re over 3.5 tonnes?

The short answer is no—this only applies to French-registered vehicles and only if you’re towing. Motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes don’t need to worry.

However, the speed limits still apply. If you’re towing and your total train weight exceeds 3.5 tonnes, you’re limited to 90 km/h on motorways and 80 km/h on single carriageways.

The rules can be a bit unclear even for the French authorities. Read more about speed stickers here.

Crit’Air

Just like in the UK, many European cities have introduced clean air zones. You can see a full map of them here.

I recommend parking outside these zones and using public transport. European cities aren’t very motorhome-friendly! However, if you plan to enter these zones, particularly in France, get a Crit’Air sticker in advance.

This sticker lasts for the lifetime of the vehicle and is affordable. Be careful of fake websites—this is the official one. You’ll need your logbook and a clear photo of it for the application. It costs €4.51, and you can apply online (it’s easier to do on a computer than a phone).

Red/White Warning Boards

If you’re traveling to Spain or Italy with anything on the back of your motorhome (like bicycles or a storage box), you’ll need a red/white striped warning board to indicate your vehicle is longer than usual.

In Italy, the board is supposed to be aluminum, but many people use plastic without issue (Fiamma, an Italian company, sells plastic ones). To be safe, go for an aluminum board with five reflective stripes, and you’ll be covered for both countries.