Vanlife in Europe - Your Complete Guide
Have you already explored the UK in your campervan and want to travel further afield, but maybe the thought of travelling to Europe feels overwhelming? 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? Worried about forgetting something?
Are you ready to set off on an incredible journey through Europe in a campervan? 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).
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).
Vehicle Insurance (it’s likely you will be required to notify your insurance provider of the dates you will be outside the UK).
MOT Certificate.
European Breakdown Cover (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 need to organise to drive in Europe?
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 warning triangle
Spare bulb kit
A high visibility jacket for each occupant of the vehicle that is easily accessible if you should need it
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.
Headlight converters
Electric hook up and gas adapters and connectors
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 lots of restrictions in relation to the foods you can bring from the UK and into Europe. You can read more about them here.
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.
Is there anything I can’t take with me to Europe?
Please be aware that you cannot take the following food products with you into Europe. You can read more official legislation here.
meat, or products containing meat
milk, or dairy products
You can find more details of things you might want and need for your European road trip here. For useful things you might not have thought about, click here.
