European Road Trip Preparation Guide
In planning a motorhome, campervan, RV, or caravan trip across Europe, it's crucial to ensure your vehicle is in top shape before setting off. A comprehensive checklist can help you avoid unexpected issues and ensure a smooth journey.
Kathryn Bird, author of this article and founder of one of the UK's largest motorhome travel websites, shares her insights and a free Europe road trip checklist. This checklist includes essential kit, paperwork, and useful gear to take.
Paperwork and Documentation
- Passport: Ensure your passport has at least three months’ validity remaining at the intended date of departure and is issued within the last 10 years.
- Driving Licence: A valid UK driving licence appropriate for the motorhome category is required. Some may need an International Driving Permit if they have a paper driving licence only or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
- Vehicle Insurance: Minimum third-party insurance for the motorhome is mandatory.
- Vehicle Registration Document (VRD): UK motorists must carry the original VRD. If the motorhome is hired or leased and the original VRD is not available, a Vehicle on Hire Certificate must be carried instead.
- ETIAS Authorization: Starting in 2025, UK travellers require an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization.
- Schengen Area Stay Limits: UK citizens can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
- PASSPORT & Border Controls: Keep your passport accessible for random roadside border checks.
- Carnet de Passages (if applicable): For temporary admission of commercial or professional goods or certain vehicles, an ATA Carnet may be needed, but for personal roadworthy vehicles driven by their owner to the EU, a Carnet is generally not required.
Safety and Vehicle Maintenance
Ensure all lights, indicators, and other vehicle systems are working correctly to avoid fines. If renting a vehicle, it's the driver's responsibility to ensure the vehicle has the required safety equipment, and to check in advance with the company what kit they will provide and what the driver will need to bring.
Some accessories, such as snow chains and winter tyres, may be required depending on the country and time of year.
Additional Preparedness Tips
- If hiring a motorhome or camper in Europe, it's the driver's responsibility to have proof that they can take the vehicle across a border into another country.
- Check basic vehicle maintenance before leaving for a European road trip, including tyre pressure, engine run, brakes, tyre tread, windscreen, lights, washer fluid, oil, water levels in radiator, Adblue, battery, washer fluid reservoir, windscreen wipers, anything fixed to the outside of the motorhome, door locks, bike rack, towbar, straps for fraying, tread on trailer tyres, brakes if it's a braked trailer, fixings on roof boxes/ external luggage carriers, vehicle systems like heating, air con, fridge, solar panel, water, toilet, batteries.
Post-Brexit Requirements
After Brexit, the essential safety and paperwork requirements for driving a motorhome in Europe include the items mentioned above, as well as adherence to Schengen stay limits and the new ETIAS authorization.
Additional Items for Your Checklist
The checklist also includes items such as hi-vis reflective jackets, warning triangle, headlight beam converters, UK car sticker, first aid kit, Angles Morts Stickers (for France), spare bulbs, torch, fire extinguisher, blanket, water, and snacks.
For more Europe travel tips, visit our other articles on unmissable Europe road trip ideas, the best places to see the Northern Lights in Europe, best cities to visit in winter in Europe, and warmest places in winter in Europe.
Stay prepared, and happy travels!
- Kathryn Bird, in her Europe road trip checklist, suggests packing essential items like a first aid kit, warning triangle, and Angles Morts Stickers, which can help ensure a safe and secure lifestyle during travel.
- In preparation for a motorhome trip across Europe, it's important to remember that in addition to the necessary paperwork and vehicle maintenance, accessories such as snow chains and winter tyres may be required for certain countries and seasons, thereby contributing to a successful and enjoyable travel experience.
