Vanlife in Europe - Your Complete Guide
Are you planning a road trip from the UK to mainland Europe, but maybe the idea is feeling overwhelming right now? I understand! You start to think about travelling abroad, but suddenly everything seems so much easier and less daunting in the UK! Where do you start with the EU planning? What are the rules and regulations? What do you legally need to carry in your campervan, or motorhome? Here is everything you need to know about driving in Europe.
While most of time, we can barely contain our excitement at the thought of exploring the continent and embracing the spontaneity of travelling, there is still a sense of anxiety when it comes to preparing for such a long journey. What should we pack, what are the safety considerations, how will we keep the children entertained on such a long drive and most of all - have we forgotten anything important? All of the official and up-to-date information from the Government can be found here, but I have picked out the key things you need to know for your quick reference. If you’d like a FREE European Road Trip Checklist, click here. If you're planning to road trip through the Republic of Ireland, you can find out everything you need to know here to ensure you have a stress-free, enjoyable trip. If you are considering taking your dog with you to Europe, then click here to find out about the necessary preparations.
What paperwork will I need to travel into mainland Europe?
Passports (always check depending on which country you are visiting, but most countries require six months from your date of issue). For travel within the EU, passports must not be older than ten years from the date of issue , or entry into the EU may be denied.
Driving licence for anyone who will be driving outside of the UK.
V5 Logbook (you need the original, but take a photocopy before you leave just in case it gets misplaced).
Vehicle Insurance (it’s likely you will be required to notify your insurance provider of the dates you will be outside the UK, but this depends on your provider).
MOT Certificate.
European Breakdown Cover (valid for the county/ries you plan on visiting. Check your existing policy, you may, or may not already be covered).
Personal Travel Insurance valid for the country, or countries you plan on visiting.
Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) Apply for one here .
Animal Health Certificate (AHC) if you intend on travelling with your pet. More details here.
There are lots of different rules and regulations regarding driving on European roads, especially with regard to low emission zones and tolls. Click here for the most useful website we found to help us understand these. You can search the access rules by country here. All relevant vignettes and low emission stickers can be purchased in advance here, but please be aware you will incur an additional service charge. It is also cheaper to buy a French Crit’Air vignette direct here. This is valid for the life of the vehicle and only needs to be purchased once.
Covid Vaccination Status (please check individual country requirements, but a coronavirus pass can be download on the NHS app). Vaccination cards alone will not be accepted as proof.
What else do I legally need to organise to drive in Europe?
Unlike driving your campervan, or motorhome on the roads in the UK, there are some things you need to legally take/pack.
If your number plate includes the UK identifier with the Union Jack flag, you do not need a UK sticker. However if not, you will need to clearly display a UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle. A UK Sticker (replaced the GB sticker from September 2021) You can read more about requirements here.
A high visibility jacket for each occupant in your campervan, or motorhome (including children). This needs to be easily accessible inside the van and put on before you get out of your vehicle.
Headlight converters. These stickers need to be stuck on your headlights before using your dipped and full beam lights, because you drive on the right in mainland European countries, they stop you from dazzling oncoming traffic while driving. The ideal time to install them is on the Ferry or Eurotunnel crossing.
A car first aid kit and fire extinguisher is required by law in most Nordic, Eastern European, Baltic and Soviet countries. It is recommended, but not legally required when driving in France, Spain, Italy, Germany and other Central European countries.
Do I need a breathalyser to drive my campervan, or motorhome in mainland Europe?
No! In 2012 it became the law that drivers in France must carry a breathalyser, but since then the law has been quietly revoked. Many of the EU Driving Kits still supply them, but this is no longer a legal requirement.
Other items that aren’t legal requirements, but are recommended include:
Spare bulb kit
Electric hook up and gas adapters and connectors
A parking disc is a really useful item to take to Europe with you. Free parking for a set period of time is common, through displaying a parking-disk showing the time at which the vehicle was parked. A patrolling parking attendant can inspect the disk to check whether payment is owed. The system is common in Europe.
Are there any restrictions on things I can’t take, or shouldn’t do on a European road trip?
You must not use anything in your vehicle which warns you of the location of speed cameras (this needs to be turned off, on for example, Google Maps).
You must not wear headsets or headphones whilst driving.
There are also lots of restrictions in relation to the foods you can bring from the UK and into Europe. You can read more about them here. These include: meat, or products containing meat, milk and dairy products.
You can find more details of things you might want and need for your European road trip here. If you need help, or inspiration planning your European road trip, then be sure to check out our range of Travel Guides.
Are there any toll roads in mainland Europe that I should be aware of?
Many countries in Europe use either a vignette system or have toll roads. These toll roads are usually well-signposted and accept card payments, with some also accepting cash. Many countries are moving to electronic vignettes now. These can still be purchased online before you leave the UK.
Which EU countries require clean air stickers for my campervan, or motorhome?
Several countries in mainland Europe require clean air stickers for vehicles to enter certain low-emission zones (LEZs) or environmental zones. The specific requirements and types of stickers vary by country:
1. France: Crit'Air vignettes are required for vehicles entering certain low-emission zones.
2. Germany: Umweltplakette stickers are mandatory in numerous cities with low-emission zones.
3. Austria: Since 01/01/2015 Umwelt-Pickerl stickers are mandatory for all trucks in specific low-emission zones, mainly in cities and along certain highways (please check the latest regulations if your campervan is a converted truck).
You can find out more about Low Emission Zones for each EU country here.
Always check the latest regulations for each country or city you plan to visit, as rules and enforcement can change.
Which EU countries will I need to purchase a vignette in?
Several EU countries require the purchase of vignettes (pre-paid stickers or electronic tolls) for driving on certain roads, primarily motorways. Here is a list of EU countries where vignettes are required:
1. Austria: Vignettes are required for driving on motorways. Both physical and digital vignettes are available either as you cross the boarder or here.
2. Bulgaria: Vignettes are mandatory for all motor vehicles using the national road network. E-vignettes are commonly used.
3. Czech Republic: Motorways are charged with an electronic vignette for vehicles weighing up to 3.5 t, which is on sale in three lengths of validity: ten days, thirty days and year. Sale of e-vignettes can be purchased here edalnice.cz, some petrol stations and in kiosks at border crossings.
4. Hungary: Vignettes (e-vignettes) are required for motorways and certain main roads.
5. Romania: A vignette (Rovinieta) is mandatory for all vehicles using national roads.
6. Slovakia: Vignettes are required for motorways, available as electronic vignettes.
7. Slovenia: From 2024 vignettes are available electronically, or they can be purchased at border crossings. These are available for periods of 1 week, 1 month, or 1 year.
8. Switzerland: Although not an EU member, Switzerland requires a vignette for using its motorways. These are now available electronically and last for one year.
Make sure to purchase and display the correct vignette before using the toll roads in these countries to avoid fines. Vignettes can usually be bought at border crossings, petrol stations and online.
