Brexit latest: this page was last updated on 11th January 2021. To the best of our knowledge, the information below is full and correct, but we’ll continue to update it in line with government guidance.
Following the UK’s departure from the EU, the transition period that began on the 31 January 2020 ended on the 31st December 2020.
Whilst a trade deal has been agreed, there are some areas that are yet to be decided, including access to the free circulation zone, which means that UK drivers must carry a green card when travelling to EU countries from 1 January 2021.
Here are some FAQs about green cards, and how to request one from us, as well as other information you need to know about driving in the EU.
If this advice changes, we will let you know as soon as possible.
What is a green card?
A ‘green card’ is a document that you must carry with you when driving abroad. It proves that you have at least the minimum level of motor insurance required for the country you’re travelling in.
If you are looking to be covered to the same level of cover that you have while driving in the UK you will need to contact us before you travel, even if we have previously given you a green card.
Do I need a green card when I’m travelling in the European Union (EU)?
Yes. If you’re travelling to the EU on or after 1 January 2021, you will need to carry a green card with you. If you don’t, you could have to pay additional insurance costs at the borders of any countries you visit.
Does a green card cost money?
Swiftcover will supply you with a green card at no additional cost to the price you have paid for your insurance.
How do I get a green card?
Getting a green card is simple: you just need to request one by calling Swiftcover on 0330 159 1514.
Our opening hours are below:
Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm
Saturdays Closed
Sundays Closed
Bank Holidays Closed
How long does it take to get a green card?
When you request a card, we’ll send you a black and white document in the post, which can take up to 14 days to arrive. If you need one sooner, we can email it to you, but you’ll need to print it yourself on plain white A4 paper. When driving in the EU, make sure that you have your green card and motor certificate with you at all times.
Is there a digital version I can use?
No. An electronic copy or email of your green card is not acceptable evidence of insurance. Authorities in EU countries will only recognise the physical version.
Do I still need a green card if I began my trip in the transition period, but still haven’t returned?
Even if you began your trip during the transition period, you’ll still need a green card to drive through EU countries on your return. Please call us on 0330 159 1514 to request a green card via email, and make sure to print it on white A4 paper before resuming your journey.
If my policy renews when I’m away, is my green card still valid?
If your policy expires while you’re away, you’ll still need a green card to cover you until your return. If you renew with us, you’ll need an additional green card for the period from your renewal date to the end of your trip. If you take out a policy with a new provider, contact them to request a new green card. Your new provider can only issue cover for the period they insure you for.
Which countries do I need a green card for?
You need to carry a green card when driving in:
Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Ireland
Romania
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
If you need a green card:
Changes to the green card system came into effect on 1 July 2020.
Now, a black and white printed document is recognised as valid in participating countries, and ‘green’ cards no longer need to be green.
When you request a card from Swiftcover , we’ll send out the ‘green’ card to you as a black and white document in the post (please be aware that we advise requesting a green card 14 days in advance of your travel date to give plenty of time for it to reach you). If you need it urgently, we can email it to you – you must print it out on plain white paper and carry it with you at all times.
Remember: the electronic copy/email of your green card is not acceptable evidence of insurance and will not be recognised by the foreign authorities.
Will I need to display a GB sticker on my van?
Some vehicles when travelling in any EU country will now need to display a GB sticker on their vehicles. If your vehicle’s number plate includes a Euro symbol, a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales or no flag or identifier, you will need to display a GB sticker clearly on the rear of your vehicle”. Find out more about the requirements on GB stickers here.
Do I need to carry additional documents with me?
You must also carry your motor certificate with you and your UK driving licence.
You will not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in EU countries and Norway from 1 January 2021, unless you have a paper driving license, or a license issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. Find out more about IDP requirements on the Government website.
Do I need to carry additional documents if I’m driving with a trailer?
Depending on the size and type of trailer, you may need to register it with the DVLA. They’ll then issue it with a separate registration number for travel outside the UK. Find out more on the DVLA website.
You will need to request an additional green card from us if you are travelling with a trailer. You will need to provide a description of the make and model to us for this. You will then receive two green cards that you must carry with you – one with just the details of your van, and one with the details of your van and your trailer.
Do I need to let Swiftcover know which countries I’ll be visiting? Do the rules vary depending on the country I plan to travel to?
If you’re looking to have more than the minimum legal cover to drive in the country you’re visiting, you’ll need to let us know details about your trip before you leave.
If you plan on travelling to any country which is not in the EU, then you will need to let us know about this before you leave so that we can let you know if we are able to provide any cover for your trip. We can discuss this with you in more detail when you contact us to tell us about your journey.
Where can I find further information?
Leaving the EU means several changes that may affect everyone. Keep yourself up to date with the latest information by checking the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/transition