The green card is an international certificate of insurance providing visiting motorists with proof of the minimum compulsory insurance cover required by the law of the country visited. 47 countries in Europe, Asia and North Africa participate in the Green Card System.

Green cards are issued by motor insurers. If you are planning to take your UK-registered vehicle abroad, you should contact your insurer to find out whether a green card is necessary. Where possible, this should be done at least one month before travel.

The UK is part of the Green Card Free Circulation Area, which comprises all 30 European Economic Area (EEA) countries as well as Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Switzerland. UK-based drivers do not need to carry green cards for their vehicles when travelling to these countries.

Government guidance on insurance for driving abroad may be found here.

If you are driving with a trailer or caravan, you may need to register it before travelling. Government guidance on trailer registration may be found here.