Taking a Motorhome to Europe from the UK: What You Need to Know

Whether you’re hiring a motorhome from South West Motorhomes or bringing your own, this guide covers everything from legal requirements to driving tips — so you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free European motorhome adventure.

1. Can I Take a UK-Hired Motorhome to Europe?

Yes — but you must get written permission from the hire company. Not all rental providers allow travel to mainland Europe, so always check in advance.

At South West Motorhomes, we allow European travel with prior approval and an additional insurance fee to cover international use.

📄 Important: European travel must be declared at the time of booking. Unauthorised travel abroad can invalidate insurance or lead to your booking being cancelled.

2. Insurance and Breakdown Cover

Before leaving the UK, make sure your motorhome is fully insured for continental driving.

• European insurance cover (including a Green Card in some cases)

• European breakdown assistance

• Travel insurance for your own health and belongings

🚐 South West Motorhomes can extend your cover for EU travel—this is done at the point of booking.

3. Documents You Must Carry

You’ll need to bring the following paperwork with you:

• Full UK driving licence

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)

• Vehicle V5C (or VE103 if hiring a motorhome)

• Insurance certificate or Rental Agreement

• Breakdown cover details

• MOT certificate (if applicable)

• Travel insurance documents

🧾 If you’re hiring, you’ll be given a VE103 form proving you have permission to drive the vehicle abroad.

4. Driving in Europe: Key Rules

Driving styles and road laws differ across Europe. Here are a few essentials:

• Drive on the correct side of the road

• Headlights must be adjusted for continental use

• Speed limits are in km/h and vary by country and vehicle weight

• Many cities have low-emission zones — register in advance if required

• Carry required safety items (see below)

🚦 Make sure to familiarise yourself with local rules for each country you’ll visit.

5. Mandatory Equipment for European Travel

Most EU countries require you to carry certain items in your vehicle. These typically include:

• Warning triangle

• High-vis jackets (one per occupant)

• Headlight beam deflectors

• GB/UK sticker or UK identifier on number plate

• Breathalyser kit (France)

• Spare bulb kit

• First aid kit

🧰 South West Motorhomes provide European travel kit with your booking if needed.

6. Toll Roads and Vignettes

Many European countries use toll roads or require a vignette (toll sticker):

• France, Spain, Italy: Pay-as-you-go tolls on major roads

• Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia: Require prepaid vignettes

• Germany: Some areas require environmental badges

💳 Always keep cash or a credit card handy at toll booths.

7. Fuel, LPG, and Refilling

Fuel is widely available across Europe, though LPG connectors differ by country. Our motorhomes use LPG for heating and/or cooking, as such we include an adapter kit for LPG refilling on the continent.

⛽ Fill your tanks before entering more remote regions or mountain areas where fuel may be scarce.

8. Campsites and Overnight Stops

Europe is incredibly motorhome-friendly, with thousands of:

• Aires (basic, low-cost overnight parking)

• Full-service campsites

• Motorhome stopovers at vineyards, farms, and pubs (see France Passion or CamperContact)

🏕️ It’s a good idea to book at least some sites in advance—especially in peak summer months.

9. Currency and Payments

Most of Europe uses the Euro, although a few countries (e.g. Switzerland, Czech Republic) have their own currencies.

• Use a travel debit/credit card with low or no foreign transaction fees

• Carry some cash for tolls, parking, and smaller shops or markets

💳 Contactless payments are common—but don’t rely on cards 100%.

10. Health and Emergency Info

• Get a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for free access to state healthcare

• Know the European emergency number: 112

• Check local hospital and pharmacy locations near your campsite stops

🏥 Always travel with basic medicines, a first-aid kit, and an up-to-date EHIC/GHIC.

Final Tips for a Stress-Free European Motorhome Trip

• Plan your route in advance and download offline maps

• Check your route on your phone Apple Carplay and Android Auto are avaiable in our Motorhomes

• Stay connected with a European SIM or roaming plan

• Keep spare copies of documents both physical and digital

• Learn a few key phrases in the local language

Ready to Explore Europe by Motorhome?

Whether you’re heading for the French Riviera, the Spanish Pyrenees or the Black Forest in Germany, taking a motorhome to Europe is an unforgettable experience.

At South West Motorhomes, we make it easy—with European travel packages, full insurance cover, and expert support from start to finish.

🚐 Choose from a range of luxury motorhomes
🧳 Travel-ready for EU driving
📍 Ideal location for South Coast ferry ports (Portsmouth, Plymouth)

👉 Contact us today or View Our Motorhomes to start planning your European road trip.