Whentraveling by car to Europeyou must take with you a number of documents, as well as various items and things, without which you may simply not be allowed into the EU. Therefore, you need to prepare for your trip to Europe in advance.
What documents will be needed when traveling by car to Europe
First of all, this is a national driver’s license of international standard (a plastic card familiar to everyone). It is advisable that they have a validity period indicated (in some European countries they are not very fond of “perpetual rights”). Theoretically, you also need to have them translated into European languages, but this piece of paper is never asked for (such a document may only be requested if you get into an accident).
In addition, you must have car insurance with you, the so-called “Green card”. It is an analogue of third party liability insurance and is valid in 47 European countries. Its cost is fixed for different countries and differs depending on the type of machine and validity period. The minimum insurance period is 15 days (about 23 euros per car).
Be sure to take with you on the road car documents (registration certificate, power of attorney with its translation into English – if the car is not yours). If the car is on credit – a document from the bank with its consent to take the car abroad.
Naturally, everyone (both driver and passengers) must have valid foreign passports with a Schengen visa (this can be a visa from the country of entry into the EU or the country in which you plan to stay the longest).
Also, when crossing the border, you may be asked to show your travel itinerary with hotel reservations where you plan to stay, any documents confirming your financial independence or cash, documents for a child, etc.
Requirements for a car entering Europe. What to take with you on the road
When crossing the border with the EU, the trunk or interior of the car must contain:
- Spare wheel with repair kit and jack.
- Fire extinguisher with a normal shelf life.
- First aid kit meets European standards.
- Cable for towing a car.
- European style reflective vest.
- Lamp repair kit (lamps, including LEDs, fuses, tools).
The car itself must have a clearly recognizable license plate with the state flag. Cars with unique license plates like “Vasya” will not be able to enter the EU. The tires on the car must be seasonal (corresponding to the time of year in the EU), with a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm. And in northern countries (Finland, Norway), even in summer you may need studded tires. A driver may be denied entry into Europe if his car has a broken windshield, headlights, body, tinted windows, or is equipped with a radar gun (they are prohibited in Europe). True, no one will pay attention to small chips, cracks and scratches. We are talking about serious damage to the car.
There should also be no prohibited items in the car. The customs rules here are common to everyone. You cannot import weapons, drugs, poisons, or antiques. There are restrictions on the import of food, alcohol, cigarettes, cash and medicines in large quantities (they may be accused of smuggling). In general, you can bring into the EU no more than 10 thousand euros, 40 cigarettes and 1 liter of spirits per adult.
Speed rules in the EU are different from ours. The maximum permissible speed of a car in Schengen settlements is 50 km. per hour.
Useful tips, life hacks for those entering the EU by car
Before your trip, be sure to undergo a technical inspection at home and make sure that your car is in full working order. Repairing a car in Europe will cost you a lot of money, and the Green Card is not insurance for your car. If it breaks, you will have to repair it at your own expense.
Fill your tank full before crossing the EU border. The price of gasoline in Belarus and Ukraine will be significantly lower or European. Also, for example, the price of gasoline in Poland will be lower than its price in Germany. Just in case, if the trunk allows, you can also take a small canister of gasoline (in case it runs out and you just barely make it to the gas station, there may not be very many of them on the highway).
Just in case, the car should have a spare washer fluid, distilled water and the correct brand of engine oil (it may not be available at a small gas station somewhere on the highway).
The headlights can be sealed with a thin transparent film, this will help to avoid damage to them by a stone thrown on the highway from under the wheels of another car, but you cannot drive in Europe with a broken headlight.
Take a video recorder and a GPS navigator with offline maps on the road (after all, there may not be Internet on the highway in the field).
Some roads and tunnels in Europe require tolls. Travel permits can usually be purchased at gas stations. Look for information on the Internet in advance, otherwise, due to ignorance, you can get a large fine.
Watch your speed and parking. In general, in Europe you can drive no faster than 50 km in populated areas. at one o’clock. And for slightly exceeding this speed you can already be fined. It is also quite strict with parking there.
