How to take your motorhome abroad: a complete guide

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So, you’re considering going on holiday in your motorhome, but have you considered the post-Brexit or Covid-19 restrictions? We run through everything you should know before travelling, as well as the essential items you won’t want to forget!

Where can I go in Europe with a motorhome?

You can go anywhere you like – there are no restrictions on travel for leisure vehicles. The ease of travel between borders makes Europe perfect for a cultural road trip.

How long can I stay in Europe after Brexit?

UK residents are permitted to stay within Europe for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period due to the new Brexit regulations in the Schengen area.

The Schengen area includes every country in Europe except the UK, Ireland, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Cyprus.

Can I take a motorhome on the Eurotunnel?

Yes, all leisure and recreational vehicles are allowed in the Eurotunnel.

Is my SatNav or car navigation system valid in Europe?

A: Most European countries have made navigation systems which detect mobile speed cameras illegal. If your SatNav or car navigation does this, you’ll need to purchase one that doesn’t, or revert to using maps.
Dash cams are also illegal in some EU countries, so check before travelling if you use one for your vehicle.

Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStock Photo

What do I need for my vehicle to travel abroad?

Following Brexit, the GB sticker is no longer valid when travelling through Europe. It’s essential you have a UK identifier sticker on the rear end of the vehicle, unless you have the new UK model of number plate, or it has a euro symbol or UK country flag on it. If you’re travelling to Spain, you’ll need a UK sticker regardless of which number plate you have.

Here’s some other essentials to make sure you have with you on your travels:

  • The vehicle’s V5 logbook.
  • Headlights for driving on the right.
  • Warning triangle
  • Daytime lights
  • Travel insurance and Europe motorhome breakdown cover.
  • If travelling to or through France, the original registration document of the car is also required.

What you’ll need for travel (Note that specific countries may have other requirements):

Some of these are not legally required in certain EU countries, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

  • Your passport with at least three months left until expiry.
  • A visa for all countries you intend to visit.
  • Your Covid-19 passport.
  • A UK driving license (if yours was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, you’ll need an international driving permit).
  • Insurance certificate for the vehicle.
  • First aid Kit
  • High visibility vest
  • Health insurance.
  • If you’re hiring the motorhome, then make sure to have the owner’s details, including their phone number, to hand in case of an emergency.

Some useful things to pack:

  • Maps for the areas you’ll be travelling to – you can’t always rely on technology!
  • Wheel clamp for when you leave your vehicle to explore.
  • International adapters
  • Levelling ramps.
  • Toilet chemicals.
  • Spare light bulbs.
  • Insect repellent
  • Painkillers
  • Mosquito net

Browse our full range of used and new motorhomes or visit us at Suffolk Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 0LN.

Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStock Photo

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