The information below is intended as a guide only. Requirements can change, so always check the latest official advice before travelling.
Essential Documents
Before leaving the UK, ensure you have:
- A valid passport with sufficient validity for travel within Europe.
- Your full UK driving licence.
- Your motorcycle’s V5C registration certificate (original document recommended).
- Motorcycle insurance details.
- Breakdown and recovery cover documentation.
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
- Travel insurance appropriate for motorcycle touring.
- It is also sensible to keep digital copies of important documents stored securely online or on your phone.
Passport
A valid passport which is valid until well after your planned return. A passport is required to register at most accommodation, including camp sites and hotels and you will most likely have to leave your passport at the desk until you check out. A very useful document to have is a “Camping Carnet” (see below) which most camp sites will accept instead of a passport.
Camping Card International
The CCI or Camping Carnet is well worth having with you as it entitles you to some good discounts at many camp sites and tourist attractions in 40 different European countries. It is accepted as ID at most camp sites. The card is valid for a year and can be obtained from the CCI web site and a number of camping or caravaning organizations etc.
Vehicle Registration Documents (V5C)
All E.U. countries require that you carry the original V5C. This must not be a photocopy and it must show your most recent address in the U.K.
Motorcycle Insurance
Most UK motorcycle insurance policies provide the minimum legal cover required for riding within European countries, but levels of cover can vary.
Before travelling:
- Check exactly what cover applies overseas.
- Confirm the countries included in your policy.
- Verify how long you are covered abroad.
- Check whether pillion passengers and accessories are covered.
Although Green Cards are generally no longer required, always confirm current requirements with your insurer before travelling.
Breakdown Cover
A comprehensive European breakdown policy can save considerable expense and inconvenience if problems occur abroad.
Check that your cover includes:
- Roadside assistance.
- Recovery to a local workshop.
- Repatriation of the motorcycle if necessary.
- Alternative travel arrangements.
- Accommodation assistance where applicable.
Read the small print carefully, particularly if your motorcycle is older or modified.
Health Cover
UK travellers should carry either:
- A valid GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card), or
- An existing EHIC if still valid.
These cards provide access to state healthcare in participating countries but are not a substitute for travel insurance.
Always ensure you have suitable travel insurance that includes motorcycle touring activities.
UK Identifier Requirements
Most UK number plates displaying the UK identifier and Union Flag are accepted throughout Europe.
However, requirements can vary in certain countries, so check the latest regulations before travelling. Carrying a UK sticker remains a sensible precaution and takes up very little luggage space.
Safety Equipment
Legal requirements vary between countries and can change over time.
Items commonly recommended for European touring include:
- High-visibility vest or jacket.
- Compact first-aid kit.
- Spare fuses.
- Basic tool kit.
- Tyre repair kit.
- Portable air compressor or CO₂ inflator.
- Spare keys stored separately from your main set.
- Torch or head torch.
- Tie Down Straps – just in case the ferry company doesn’t have any.
Even where not legally required, these items can prove invaluable during a tour.
Navigation
Modern GPS devices and smartphone navigation apps have made route planning easier than ever.
Popular options include:
- Garmin motorcycle GPS units.
- TomTom Rider devices.
- Google Maps.
- Waze.
- Calimoto.
- Kurviger.
Always download offline maps before travelling, particularly if you plan to ride through remote areas or mountainous regions.
Tip:
Check out the JUSTRIDE App from SCFMOTO. At the time of writing it was not released but we had a very good demonstration in May 2026. If it delivers what was promised, it will be amazing.
Mobile Phones and Data Roaming
Roaming arrangements vary between mobile providers and tariffs.
Before departure:
- Check roaming charges with your network provider.
- Verify data allowances abroad.
- Consider downloading offline maps.
- Ensure emergency contact numbers are easily accessible.
Carrying a charging cable and power bank is strongly recommended.
Accommodation
Europe offers accommodation for every budget.
Options include:
- Hotels.
- Guest houses.
- Campsites.
- Motorcycle-friendly inns.
- Hostels.
- Self-catering accommodation.
During peak summer months it is advisable to book accommodation in advance, particularly in popular tourist areas and Alpine regions.
Budget chains such as hotelF1, Ibis Budget, B&B Hotels and Premier Classe can provide economical overnight stops when covering longer distances. They are well worth considering to save putting up the tent if you only want to stay one night. Basic but cheap and nearly every major town has at least one, usually located in the business parks adjacent to main roads so they are easy to find. Whenever you book a room ask for secure parking for the bikes. If that’s not possible try and get a room on the ground floor where you can park the bikes underneath the window.
Money
Although card payments are widely accepted throughout Europe, it is wise to carry:
- At least one debit card.
- At least one credit card.
- A small amount of local currency.
Keep cards in separate locations where possible in case one is lost or stolen.
Tolls and Road Charges
Many European countries operate toll roads or require road-use permits.
Examples include:
- French autoroute tolls.
- Swiss motorway vignette requirements.
- Austrian motorway vignettes.
- Various tunnel and mountain pass charges.
Research your intended route before departure and check whether motorcycles receive discounted rates.
Environmental Zones
Many European cities now operate environmental or low-emission zones.
Some areas require advance registration or permits before entry.
If your route includes major cities, check local requirements beforehand to avoid fines.
Riding Abroad
Remember that traffic laws may differ from those in the UK.
Pay particular attention to:
- Speed limits.
- Filtering regulations.
- Priority rules.
- Alcohol limits.
- Lane discipline.
- Parking restrictions.
Take time to familiarise yourself with local rules before entering each country.
Before You Leave
A final pre-tour checklist:
☐ Passport
☐ Driving licence
☐ V5C certificate
☐ Insurance documents
☐ Breakdown cover details
☐ GHIC/EHIC card
☐ Travel insurance
☐ Emergency contact information
☐ Motorcycle service completed
☐ Tyres checked
☐ Lights checked
☐ Toolkit and puncture repair kit packed
☐ Navigation updated
☐ Accommodation booked where required
Useful Official Resources
- GOV.UK – Driving abroad
- GOV.UK – Foreign Travel Advice
- National travel advice websites for countries you intend to visit
- Your insurance provider
- Your breakdown cover provider
Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided as general guidance for club members and visitors. Regulations, documentation requirements and travel advice can change without notice. Riders are responsible for ensuring they comply with the laws and requirements of the countries they visit.