What do I need? The traveller's checklist
If you're heading abroad for your holidays, or just
popping over for a shopping or business trip, driving in another country can be a
great experience. But you need to make sure that you are fully prepared and familiar with local
rules and regulations.
We've designed this page with a
particular focus on British visitors. You'll need to ensure you have all of
the documentation listed below, as not having them can result in fines or
not being allowed to cross the border. If you're travelling beyond France,
then make sure you're familiar with the laws of each country that you will
be driving in.
There are also a few other things
that we recommend you have with you, even if they are not legally necessary.
This
is a long list, but we've tried to make sure we've covered everything. This
is especially so since the UK withdrew from the EU, meaning new regulations
were introduced at the start of both 2021 and 2022.
Let's start with your personal documents...
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Passport
You can't go anywhere without one of these!
It must be less than 10 years old, and valid for at least six months
beyond your planned return date
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Visa
UK and US citizens won't need a visa for holidays or business trips
totalling less than 90 days (in a 6 month period).
A visa is needed if working or studying in France, or if your trips
total more than 90 days.
You can check if you need a visa here.
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Travel insurance
You'll need to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance - medical bills can be very expensive.
If you live in the EU, apply for a European Health Insurance Card
which will allow you to receive emergency treatment for free or at a
reduced cost. UK residents can apply for a similar
Global
Health Insurance Card.
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You'll need these if you're driving...
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Driving licence
Only holders of a full drving licence (not provisional) are
permitted to drive.
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International Driving Permit
You don't need one if you have an EU or UK issued photocard license.
Gibraltar, Channel Islands or Isle of Man residents will need an IDP,
as will those with paper licenses.
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Proof of ownership
"carte grise"
This will be your proof of ownership or registered keeper document.
For UK residents, this is the V5C "log book" document.
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Proof of vehicle insurance
"carte verte"
EU and UK residents will simply need to show a valid
insurance certificate.
For all other motorists, this will be an Insurance Green Card, which
can be obtained from your insurer.
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Proof
of roadworthiness
(MOT certificate)
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You'll also need...
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Vehicle nationality sticker
(aka UK sticker)
Must be plain black-on-white style, and affixed to the rear
of the vehicle.
You don't need one if your vehicle's registration plates have the
UK identifier strip featuring a Union flag.
GB stickers are no longer valid.
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Headlight deflectors
These are required if the direction of the beam is not
adjustable, so oncoming motorists are not dazzled.
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High visability vests
One vest is required for each person in the vehicle, and
must be kept in the passenger compartment.
They must be worn if you need to evacuate the vehicle in an emergency.
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Warning triangle
Must be used following a
breakdown or collision.
If you're heading on to Spain, you'll need two - one to be
positioned either side of your vehicle.
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Crit'Air emissions sticker
You'll need one of these if driving into Paris, Lille or any other major city
- find
out more.
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Snow chains or tyres
You'll only need these if heavy snow is forecast, or if
you're visiting certain regions during the winter season -
find out more.
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If you're riding a motorbike, you'll also
need...
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Helmet relflective strips
Reflective strips must
be affixed to your helmet - one each on the front, back and either
side.
Wearing gloves whilst riding is a legal requirement.
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The following are not
mandatory, but we strongly recommend them:
Some of these are mandatory
for domestic vehicles, which is why we suggest you keep them in your
car.
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Spare
bulbs
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First aid
kit
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Fire
extinguisher
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Euro
breakdown cover
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Other things to consider...
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Immigration clearance
You may need to prove that you are not attempting to live or work in
France illegally.
This may involve showing a border official proof of accommodation,
return travel or
that you can afford your trip.
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Dogs, cats and ferrets
Pets visiting from outside the EU will need to see a vet at
least four months before travel, in order to be vaccinated against
rabies. They must also be microchipped.
They will need to see a vet in the 10 days prior to travel, so
an Animal Health Certificate can be issued.
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Is your
vehicle roadworthy?
If your vehicle's service or MOT isn't due just
before your trip, it's worth taking it for a safety check.
Some of the major garage chains will do this free of charge!
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Mobile phone roaming
Most networks charge roaming fees when travelling into the EU. It is
worth checking with your provider for any deals or periods of free
roaming, otherwise you could be liable for a hefty bill.
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Food import
restrictions
There are strict restrictions on what food products can be
brought into the EU by travellers.
Check the European Commission website for more information, but
the simple guideline is don't bring anything containing meat or
dairy with you (there are some medical and baby exemptions).
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Duty free
benefits
Somethings tourists like to do is bring back some
local goodies, or take advantage of duty free shopping.
UK citizens can bring back up to 42 litres of beer, 18 litres of wine and 200 cigarettes.
You can fill your car boot or van with other goods (such as food or
clothes) up to the value of £390.
Check the gov.uk website for more information.
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