Can I Take My Touring Caravan Abroad?

Holidays to other countries are baked into UK culture. Whether it’s a seaside stay, snowy escape, countryside break or something else entirely, these trips are always something to look forward to. And with the UK’s proximity to mainland Europe, driving to your destination can be a great shout!

If you’re looking for your next foreign escape and don’t want to worry about booking flights and hotels, why not take your very own mobile holiday home? So, can you take your caravan abroad? The answer is yes — but how easy is this to do and what do you need to consider?

Let’s take a closer look and break down the complexities that surround it. Read on for a better understanding of the preparations and considerations involved with taking your caravan abroad.

As with any holiday, when travelling with your caravan abroad there are a few legal requirements to consider. It is important to review these for any country that is included in your journey, to ensure that you and your caravan adhere to the laws of the countries you visit.

In addition, make sure you have all of the documents below when taking your caravan abroad to avoid issues during your trip.

• Passports — For everyone travelling with your caravan.

• Driving Licence — For whoever is driving.

• Vehicle Registration Document (V5C) — A copy of this proves your vehicle is registered in the UK.

• Proof of Insurance (Green card) — Many European countries no longer require this, but it’s good to have.

• MOT Certificate — If your towing vehicle is older than three years old, you must have an up-to-date MOT certificate.

• Trailer Registration Certificate — If your caravan weighs over 750kg and you plan to travel to a country that asks for trailer registration, you need to register your trailer before taking it abroad. You can do this through the DVLA, who’ll then get you the necessary registration plates and certificate.

In some countries, you might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well as your UK driving licence. An IDP is a document that translates your driving licence into multiple languages and is recognised in over 140 countries.

An IDP might be needed if you’re travelling outside the EU, or to certain countries in Europe that still ask for the document. It's important to check the requirements of the country you’re visiting before you travel to avoid delays at border control.

You can easily apply for an IDP at your local Post Office. All you will need is a valid UK driving licence, a passport-sized photo, and to pay a small fee.

Before setting out on your international caravan adventure, you should always inspect both your towing vehicle and your caravan. Look at the regulations the country or countries you will be driving through have about caravans and trailers and be sure your holiday home fits within them.

• Towing weights and sizes

Every country will have different laws around towing weights and sizes on their roads. Make sure your caravan adheres to these before planning to drive across a border that could turn you away.

• Safety equipment

Every country will have different laws around the type of road safety equipment you should keep in your vehicle. For example, in France you must keep a warning triangle, reflective jackets for all passengers, and a breathalyser kit in your car. And in Spain, spare headlight bulbs and a first aid kit are mandatory! So be sure to check ahead of your trip.

• Speed limits

Every country will have different speed limits on their roads when towing vehicles. Be sure to look ahead and adhere to the speed limits of each country to avoid penalties.

Having the right insurance is particularly important when taking your caravan abroad. It offers financial protection and may be a legal requirement where you are travelling.

Caravan insurance

Having caravan insurance in the UK is actually not a legal requirement, but it is highly recommended – including when travelling abroad. Some UK caravan insurance policies include European cover as standard but it’s important to check if yours does before setting off on your adventure, and add it in if it does not.

We usually recommend cover for:

• Accidental damage

• Theft

• Public liability

• Personal belongings

It’s also important to check the duration of your cover. Look for flexibility in your policy — this allows for extended trips or even leaving your caravan abroad for long periods.

If your current policy doesn’t include European cover, consider adding it.

Health and travel insurance

As with all holidays and travel abroad, it’s essential that you have the right health and travel insurance. This can help in the case of medical emergencies, repatriation and any travel disruptions that might happen on your trip.

Since the UK left the EU, the European Health Insurance (EHIC) card has been updated and replaced by the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This gives you access to healthcare in the EU, but it is important to ensure that you also have travel insurance in place for your trip.

As is the case however you travel abroad, preparation is the key. Before you set off, make sure to check your insurance policies, legal requirements and safety equipment. Having the right insurance for both your vehicle and caravan can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of accidents, damage or theft.

Interested in getting insured for your next caravan trip abroad? So you have flexibility during your trip. Explore our caravan insurance options today and we can help you arrange a policy that works for you and your holiday.

Get a specialist caravan insurance quote from us today, either online or by phoning us on 0330 808 9130.