RIDING IN EUROPE IN 2022
What you really need to know
A lot has changed since most of us last travelled abroad. This is what you really need to know about Euro travel.
Is it more hassle? In general, no. The only difference you’ll notice is a passport stamp. And perhaps longer queues.
Any Covid restrictions?
There’s no requirement to show Covid passes or a negative test at most borders; the UK Government says most European countries have lifted controls. At time of writing only France, Portugal, Spain and Holland still technically require proof of vaccination or a negative test, so carry an NHS Covid pass in case. Most countries also no longer require masking but read the room; if everyone else is, pull your neck-tube up.
What paperwork do I need? Always needed your vehicle’s V5, insurance docs and a photo driving licence. No change there.
Do I need a carnet?
No, if you’re riding. But a carnet (an import licence) is technically required to take trackday or off-road bikes in vans or on trailers. It wasn’t part of Brexit negotiations, so now each country’s rules apply with different paperwork and costs (around £300-£350 for a carnet with £100 or so of insurance depending on the bike’s value). But it’s a grey area; the European Commission recently advised a carnet isn’t needed and, in practice, most countries are relaxed about a muddy CRF on a trailer. But a fussy French customs official with the power to seize your bike may disagree.
What about insurance?
If you’re insured in the UK, you’re insured in Europe. Most insurers give the same cover; a few only give third party if you don’t declare the trip beforehand. Worth checking.
What about health insurance?
The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) has been replaced by the UK EHIC which covers emergency healthcare but not repatriation nor all healthcare costs — so take out travel insurance.
Do Euro speed cameras still apply in the UK?
Yes. Speeding tickets go via DVLA to your letterbox. You can choose not to pay but could make returning tricky if you show on a database, and unpaid fines can theoretically be passed to a UK debt collector.