Driving in Europe: A 2025 Checklist for UK Drivers
Planning a road trip to the continent is an exciting prospect, but it’s essential to ensure you have the correct documentation for your vehicle. The rules around insurance “Green Cards” and other requirements have changed over the last few years, so it’s important to be up-to-date.
Here is a clear guide to what you need to drive your UK-registered car in Europe today.
Do I Still Need a Green Card?
A Green Card is an internationally recognised document that proves you have valid vehicle insurance.
For the most common destinations, the process is simple. You do not need a Green Card to drive in:
- The European Union (EU)
- Ireland
- Andorra
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
- Serbia
- Switzerland
However, you may still need to carry a Green Card to drive in other countries, such as Albania and Turkey.
Important Warning: Travel to Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against all travel to Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine due to ongoing conflicts and security risks.
Standard UK car insurance policies are highly unlikely to provide any cover for travel in these countries. A Green Card does not override FCDO advice or validate your insurance in a region where cover is excluded. Always check the latest FCDO travel advice before planning any trip.
Your 2025 European Driving Checklist
To ensure a smooth journey, make sure you have the following before you travel:
- Valid Driving Licence and Passport: Ensure your photocard driving licence is in date.
- V5C Logbook: You must have your original vehicle registration document (V5C) with you.
- Certificate of Motor Insurance: While not always required, it is highly recommended that you carry your current insurance certificate as proof of cover.
- UK Sticker or Identifier: The oval “GB” sticker is no longer valid. You must display a “UK” sticker on the rear of your vehicle. The only exception is if your number plate already includes the UK identifier with a Union flag.
- International Driving Permit (IDP): In some European countries, you may need an IDP in addition to your UK driving licence. This requirement varies by country. Always check the latest IDP rules on the official government website well before your departure date.
Need Help with Your Travel Plans?
To ensure you have the correct level of cover for your European road trip, or if you need to obtain a Green Card for countries outside the EU’s free circulation zone, please call our customer services team.
Call us on 01803 659113 at least 28 days before you are due to travel so we can make the necessary arrangements. Please note that an administration fee may be payable.
