**This is a collaborative post**
There are many beautiful parts of Europe to explore on a motorhome tour, from the castles and lavender fields of Provence and glittering glacial lakes of Austria to old ochre towns along the Spanish coast. Travelling in a motorhome means moving at your own pace, for a holiday of true and total relaxation wherever you decide to drive.
Having the right documentation – and having it to hand when you need it – is key to ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish. Even though the Schengen Area has open borders that facilitate seamless cross-countries travel, you’ll still need to carry the essentials to support your safety and security. Discover the documents you must take with you on a European motorhome tour.
1. Passport and driving licence
Most obviously, each person in your party is required to carry their own passport. Check the expiry dates carefully to ensure they’re valid for your trip, bearing in mind that you cannot travel right down to the wire. Many countries require you to have at least three months (often six months) left on your passport after you’re due to depart. Under new laws, If you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area on a UK passport, you’ll be required to register your fingerprints and a photo, when you arrive at the border.
Your UK driving licence usually covers you for driving in EU countries, but some destinations still require an International Driving Permit (IDP) such as Italy and Greece. You can buy an IDP at most Post Offices. It takes only a few minutes.
2. Appropriate insurance
Before you set off, arrange appropriate motorhome insurance that covers travel across Europe and includes the countries on your route. Many policies limit the number of days you can spend abroad, so check the small print rather than assuming full coverage. There may also be limitations in the activities you’re covered for while away, with extreme sports often requiring separate cover.
You should carry a physical or digital copy of your insurance certificate and your insurer’s emergency contact number, so you can provide proof of cover and access essential details for making a claim immediately in relevant situations. Ask your provider whether they include European breakdown assistance, as recovery costs abroad can escalate quickly.
3. Vehicle information
You must carry your vehicle registration document (V5C) to prove ownership of your motorhome. If you’re planning to travel in a hired vehicle, bring a letter of authorisation from the rental company that confirms you have permission to take it abroad.
Some countries require additional items linked to your vehicle documents. For instance, France expects you to carry a warning triangle and high-visibility jackets for safety in emergency situations, and Germany enforces strict rules on emissions zones, which may require a sticker linked to your vehicle details. Check each country on your route and prepare accordingly to avoid fines and delays.
4. Health requirements
You should pack a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which gives you access to state healthcare in many European countries at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. It does not replace travel insurance, so you still need a policy that covers medical treatment and repatriation.
If you have specific requirements such as prescription medicine, ensure you carry all information pertaining to these, so you can support getting what you need should you misplace the medication you’ve brought with you.
5. Pet documentation
If you plan to travel with a dog or cat, you need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a vet no more than ten days before travel. The certificate confirms vaccinations, including rabies, and allows entry into EU countries.
You must also follow specific rules when returning to the UK, such as tapeworm treatment for dogs within a set timeframe. Book your vet appointments in advance and plan your return journey around these requirements to avoid last-minute complications at the border.
Keeping your documents safe
Organise your documents in both physical and digital formats, by order of importance and when you’ll need them based on your approximate itinerary. Store originals in a waterproof folder that you can easily reach from the driver’s seat and keep scanned copies on your phone and backed up in online cloud storage.