Do I need a Green Card to drive in Europe?

Do I need a Green Card to drive in the EU?

A Green Card is an international certificate that provides proof that a motorist on their travels has the minimum compulsory insurance for the country they’re driving in.

You don’t need to carry a Green Card to drive in the EU (including Ireland), Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Norway, Switzerland or Serbia.

But you’ll still need valid vehicle insurance. If requested, you can show your insurance certificate to police or border authorities as proof of this.

Which countries will I need a Green Card to drive in?

You may still need to carry a Green Card to drive in:

• Albania

• Azerbaijan

• Belarus

• Moldova

• Russia

• Turkey

• Ukraine.

Outside Europe, you may also need a Green Card to drive in Iran, Israel, Morocco and Tunisia.

For more detail on what you need to drive abroad and around the world, call your insurance provider or see the information at GOV.UK.

Am I insured to drive in the EU?

UK car insurance policies should give you a minimum of third-party cover if you’re driving in the EU or European Economic Area (EEA) countries.

Even if you have comprehensive or third-party, fire and theft car insurance in the UK, you may only have third-party cover while driving abroad.

That means you won’t be covered if your car is damaged or stolen, but you should be covered for the cost of damage to someone else’s car. To have a similar level of cover as you do at home, you may need European car insurance.

Find out more about car insurance for driving in Europe. You could also consider taking out European breakdown cover.

What is a Green Card?

A Green Card is an international certificate of insurance. It provides proof that the driver has the minimum compulsory insurance cover required by the law of the country they’re visiting.

Some insurers will issue a Green Card automatically, while others may ask you to request one after buying your policy.

Digital Green Cards

As of 1 January 2025, motorists can use a digital Green Card as valid proof of insurance in any country that’s part of the Green Card system. That means you can show your certificate on a mobile device, without needing a paper copy.

Some insurers might still offer the option to print the Green Card yourself. If you do, you may be advised to print it in colour with a green background, as some authorities may still prefer the traditional format. Always check your provider’s guidance on this.

How do I apply for a Green Card?

To apply for a Green Card, you’ll need to contact your insurance provider. You can usually apply online, through your account, or by calling your provider. You may then have some options:

1. Digital Green Card: Many insurers now issue digital Green Cards, which you can download and store on your phone. These are now accepted as valid proof of insurance across all countries that use the Green Card system.

2. Print it yourself: If you prefer, or if your insurer recommends it, you may be able to print the Green Card yourself.

3. Get it sent by post: If your insurer sends physical documents, allow up to six weeks for delivery.

If you’re towing a caravan or trailer, it may need an additional Green Card, so be sure to mention this when applying.

Your insurance provider may charge you an admin fee to send you a Green Card.

Please note that even if you buy your car insurance through Compare the Market, you still need to apply for a Green Card from your insurance provider. Compare the Market can’t provide you with a Green Card.

What happens if I want to travel at short notice?

You’ll be fine if you’re travelling in the EU or EEA states, as you won’t need a Green Card.

If you’re travelling elsewhere and haven’t had a chance to get a Green Card from your insurance provider, one alternative is to hire a car in the country you’re visiting and arrange local cover.

What information should I provide to get a Green Card?

Your insurance provider may need to know your insurance policy number and whether you’ll be towing a caravan or trailer. This is because some countries require the vehicle being towed to have a Green Card.

The exact information you need to provide may vary according to each provider, so always check beforehand.

Will one Green Card cover multiple cars?

You’ll need a Green Card for each of your cars. This is the case even if you have more than one car insured on a single policy.

You’ll need multiple Green Cards if:

• You have fleet or multi-car insurance (one Green Card per vehicle)

• You have more than one insurance policy that covers the duration of your trip.

You’ll need to show your Green Cards if you’re involved in an accident.

Do I need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in the EU?

You don’t need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway or Liechtenstein if you have a photocard driving licence issued in the UK.

You may need an IDP for some EU countries and Norway if you have a paper driving licence or a licence that was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. Check with the relevant embassy to confirm.

You may need an IDP in some countries if you’re there for an extended stay. See if you need to apply for an IDP.

How do I get an international driving permit (IDP)?

You can obtain an IDP from certain shops that have PayPoint. They can only be issued to drivers aged 18 or over with a full driving licence, who live in Great Britain or Northern Ireland. You’ll need a passport-style picture, plus your passport for identification if you have a paper UK driving licence.

Which countries are in the EU or EEA?

The EU countries are (in alphabetical order):

• Austria

• Belgium

• Bulgaria

• Croatia

• Republic of Cyprus

• Czechia (the Czech Republic)

• Denmark

• Estonia

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Greece

• Hungary

• Ireland

• Italy

• Latvia

• Lithuania

• Luxembourg

• Malta

• Netherlands

• Poland

• Portugal

• Romania

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

• Spain

• Sweden.

The European Economic Area includes all the European Union countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

How long is a Green Card valid?

Green Cards are typically valid for the entire duration of your short stay (90 days or less).

The exact duration will depend on your insurance provider and policy terms. If you’re planning a longer trip, speak to your insurance provider well in advance to make sure your Green Card covers your entire journey.

If your car insurance is set to renew while you’re away, it’s best to shop around for another policy before you go and arrange a Green Card to run alongside the new policy.