How to prepare a car for a trip abroad: rules, necessary documents and useful tips

Traveling abroad by car requires preliminary preparation, as this is one of the key aspects that helps to avoid unforeseen problems and expenses. We tell you everything about planning a trip abroad by car, the necessary documents and other important nuances

Insurance policy Green card for traveling abroad by car

BUY

Any business trip or dream holiday abroad should start with preliminary preparation. And no matter how much you may want to go on a spontaneous trip by car, travelling abroad requires careful planning.

So, how to prepare a car for a trip, what should be in it and what documents are required to leave Ukraine - we will tell you further in the article.

To learn what documents are required to drive abroad in someone else's car and how to obtain them, follow the link.

Do you need a Green Card?

Apply for a policy on the Visit Ukraine portal in just 5 minutes!

What documents are required to leave Ukraine by car?

If you plan to travel abroad in your own car, you need to have with you:

1. International passport (valid for at least six months from the date of your planned return).

2. Driver's licence (must be valid and comply with international standards; the current model of a national driver's licence on a plastic card is trilingual and valid throughout Europe; if necessary, you can additionally obtain an international driver's licence at the service centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs)

3. Vehicle registration certificate (issued in the name of the driver or passenger).

4. Identification mark of Ukraine on the car (UA sticker is not required if the symbols are indicated on the number plate).

5. International insurance policy Green Card for the car.

6. Travel/health insurance policy.

In some cases, a visa may be required if the country does not have a visa-free regime.

You can find out if you need a visa for a particular country on the Visit Ukraine portal. Follow the link and select the country of destination to check the current border crossing rules.

In addition, if you are travelling abroad with a loan car, you need to obtain a certificate from your bank to allow you to take the car abroad.

If you are planning a family trip, you may also need additional documents.

- Read the rules for crossing the border with a child here.

- Find out which men have the right to travel abroad in 2025 and what documents are required here.

- Readall about travelling with a pet by car and public transport here.

Green Card for travelling abroad by car

A Green Card insurance policy is mandatory in 50 countries, including the EU. Without such insurance, a car will not be allowed to cross the border! In addition, the absence or delay of insurance is fraught not only with fines that are several dozen times higher than the cost of the insurance policy for a year, but also with the seizure of the car and deportation from the country with a subsequent ban on entry.

It is important to bear in mind that the policy becomes effective only from 00:00 the day after its registration in a single database. As a result, it is no longer possible to take out insurance immediately before departure or at the border - the policy will be considered invalid. Advance registration has become critically important.

It is also now sufficient to have an electronic version of the Green Card in PDF on your smartphone, which greatly simplifies verification and reduces the risk of forgery.

Read about the amount of fines in Europe for not having a Green Card here.

You can apply for a Green Card from reliable insurers for the required period on the Visit Ukraine portal in just a few minutes.

How much does a Green Card cost in 2025?

In 2025, insurance companies will independently set the cost of the Green Card, which allows drivers to choose the most favourable offers.

Green Card price for a car

Green Card price for motorcycles and scooters

Green Card price for trucks

Green Card price for a bus

Green Card price for trailers and semi-trailers

Can I drive a car with individual licence plates abroad?

To cross the border, a car must have a state licence plate. Any individual licence plate containing letters or numbers is valid only on the territory of Ukraine, and you will not be able to drive abroad with a vehicle with such a number.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Crossing the border by car: what do border guards check besides documents?

When leaving Ukraine and crossing the border with European countries, border guards may check the following items in the car:

- first aid kit (in accordance with the European standard);

- fire extinguisher;

- emergency stop sign (triangle);

- spare wheel;

- reflective vests.

In addition, border checkpoints check the capacity of tinted front side windows and windscreens.

Read more about the current car tinting regulations in Ukraine and when crossing the border here.

Preparing for your trip: what should you keep in mind?

We recommend that you take care in advance that you do not need to change any ‘consumables’ or technical fluids while abroad. After all, a simple oil change can become a serious problem when you are abroad. So, keep in mind that one to two weeks before your trip, you should have your car serviced and checked for any technical issues. Also, spare low beam bulbs in the trunk of the car will not be superfluous. This will not only help you avoid a fine abroad, but can also save you from an accident.

By the way, the issue of road safety is another important nuance that must be taken into account before travelling. Therefore, we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the algorithm of actions in the event of a road accident abroad.

Mandatory technical inspection for Ukrainian cars abroad

When planning a trip abroad by car, it is important to remember that a technical inspection is a mandatory requirement for crossing the border with many countries, including Moldova and Romania. A diagnostic card or international technical inspection certificate (MOT) certifies that the vehicle is in good working order, meets environmental standards, and avoids entry denial. The inspection is carried out at certified service stations using modern equipment, and the driver must have a technical passport, passport or power of attorney.

In Ukraine, in 2025, mandatory technical inspection will be required for certain categories of vehicles, including trucks, buses, taxis, specialised vehicles and vehicles carrying dangerous goods. The cost of the procedure starts at UAH 1,120 and depends on the type of vehicle. It is worth noting that in EU countries, such as Romania, driving without a valid MOT can lead to serious fines or cancellation of car registration. Therefore, checking the technical condition of the car and passing the inspection in time is a mandatory step before travelling.

Planning a trip abroad by car? Don't forget about the Green Card!

The Green Card is a compulsory third-party liability insurance that is valid in most European countries. It will protect you from financial risks in the event of an accident outside Ukraine and provide you with confidence while travelling.

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can quickly and conveniently apply for a Green Card online - without queues, without unnecessary documents, in just a few minutes.

Apply for a Green Card and travel safely!

Just a reminder. In Ukraine, certain categories of drivers are required to undergo regular vehicle inspections. This is due to the need to bring Ukrainian legislation in line with the requirements of the European Union. Read here to find out which cars are subject to inspection and what the cost of MOT will be.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.