You no longer require a Green Card to travel to most countries in the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA), including all of those covered by your van insurance policy with us. If you have any questions about this, please visit our van help page.
If you are driving with a caravan or trailer, you may need to register it before travelling. Please see the UK Government's guidance on trailer registration for more information.
A Green Card is an international certificate of insurance issued by your insurance provider. It provides motorists with proof that they have the necessary minimum motor insurance cover required by the law of the country they're travelling to.
As of 2 August 2021, a Green Card is no longer needed to travel to any of the following countries: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
If you have a photocard driving licence issued in the UK, you don't need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.
You may need an IDP to drive in some EU countries and Norway if you have a paper driving licence, or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
You can obtain an IDP from the Post Office. For more information, please also see UK Government guidance on driving abroad.
This form has many different names, e.g. it's known as a "DAA" in Spain and "constat amiable" in France. Although it isn't a legal requirement, it's advisable to print one off and take it with you, as completing one is standard practice in many countries. It will also help you understand the questions, as the format is the same regardless of language. You can find the form in our foreign use extension pack, or alternatively, you can download and print the European Accident Statement form.
The UK's official identifier has changed from "GB" to "UK". This means that any number plate or sticker with "GB" on it is no longer valid. GB stickers should be covered or removed before driving outside the UK. You now need to display a UK sticker clearly on the rear of your vehicle if your number plate has any of the following:
If you're in Cyprus, Malta or Spain you must display a GB sticker regardless of what is on your number plate. For more information, please see the Government's guidance on displaying number plates.
You'll need to take your vehicle log book (V5C) with you. This must show your most recent address in the UK. There may also be other requirements depending on when you are going and how long for. You can find more information on the UK Government advice on driving abroad page.
Please speak to your breakdown provider to check if you are covered for taking your car to Europe.