Schengen Rules for UK Vanlifers: The Definitive Guide to Travelling Europe (EES, 90/180, ETIAS)
- VanLife.uk
- Oct 15
- 6 min read
An up‑to‑date, plain‑English, UK‑specific guide for campervan and motorhome travellers heading to Europe. Written for VanLife.uk.
At-a-glance
Short stays: Brits can visit the Schengen Area up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period without a visa (tourism, family visits, short business, events, short study).
New border tech: The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) began 12 October 2025. First entry = biometric capture (face + fingerprints) at the border; later entries = quicker checks.
ETIAS: The EU’s ESTA-style pre-travel authorisation (ETIAS) is not live yet. Current EU plan: starts in late 2026.
Passports: Must be issued < 10 years on the day you enter and expire ≥ 3 months after the day you leave the Schengen Area.
Driving: UK photocard licence is valid for short visits; no IDP needed in most of Europe for photocard holders. Carry V5C, insurance, and a UK identifier.
Insurance: You do not need a Green Card for driving in the EU/EEA/CH/NO/IS/LI, but you still need valid insurance. (A digital Green Card can still be useful proof.)
Healthcare: Get a free UK GHIC (or still-valid EHIC) and travel insurance for medical/repatriation.
Pets: GB pet passports no longer valid. You’ll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip into the EU.
LEZs: Many cities require emissions stickers/registration (e.g., France Crit’Air, Germany Umweltplakette, Spain ZBE registrations).
What counts as Schengen?
The Schengen Area is a block of European countries with no internal border checks. Time spent in all Schengen countries combined counts toward your 90-day limit. Non-Schengen neighbours (like Ireland, Cyprus, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia) don’t count, ideal for taking a “time-out” between Schengen visits.
Check: UK FCDO country entry requirements for each destination.
Understanding Schengen Rules for UK Vanlifers: The 90/180-Day Limit Explained
You can stay in Schengen up to 90 days in any rolling 180 days. Understanding the Schengen rules for UK vanlifers is essential to avoid overstaying or fines when touring Europe in your campervan.
The 180-day window moves with you. On any given day, look back 179 days + today, total Schengen days must be ≤ 90.
Applies to you, not your van.
Covers all Schengen countries combined.
Example itineraries
Winter Sun: 60 days in Spain → 90+ days in Morocco or the UK → re-enter Schengen.
Summer Loop: France 30 + Italy 20 + Slovenia 20 + Austria 10 = 80 days used. Leave a 100-day buffer.
🧮 Use the EU short-stay calculator to plan. Keep screenshots as proof if asked at borders.
EES: how border checks work now
The Entry/Exit System (EES) went live 12 October 2025, replacing passport stamps with a digital log.
At your first entry after EES:
Scan your passport
Facial photo + fingerprints (under-12s exempt)
Border questions if needed
Future trips: facial match only — faster.
You’ll encounter EES at external Schengen borders, including UK-based juxtaposed controls (Dover, Folkestone, Eurostar St Pancras).
Tips for vanlifers
Arrive early, especially at ferry ports.
Remove hats/sunglasses for smooth biometrics.
If kiosks fail, go to a staffed desk, normal procedure.
More info: EU EES guide
ETIAS: what it is and when you’ll need it
ETIAS is an online pre-travel authorisation (like the US ESTA). It’s not a visa.
Launch: expected late 2026.
Applies to: UK passport holders entering Schengen for short stays.
How: quick online form, small fee, valid multiple years.
Until ETIAS is live, you don’t need to apply for anything before travelling.
Official site: EU ETIAS portal
Passport validity and border documents
Requirements
Issued under 10 years before entry
Valid at least 3 months after leaving Schengen
You may also be asked for:
Proof of accommodation (Aires, campsite booking, itinerary)
Return/onward plan (ferry, tunnel, or credible departure)
Proof of funds (bank statement, travel card)
Insurance certificate (vehicle and medical)
Keep both paper and digital copies.
Driving your van in Europe
Licences and IDPs
UK photocard licence accepted across EU/EEA/CH/NO/IS/LI.
No IDP needed unless you have a paper licence or visit certain territories.
Insurance
No Green Card required for EU/EEA/CH/NO/IS/LI.
Must have third-party cover.
Digital Green Card can still be handy proof.
Vehicle essentials
V5C, insurance, MOT (if applicable)
UK identifier sticker or plate
Warning triangle, hi-vis vest(s), headlamp converters, spare bulbs
Full GOV.UK guide: Driving in the EU
Healthcare: GHIC/EHIC vs travel insurance
Get a free UK GHIC via NHS.
Covers medically necessary state-provided care at local rates.
Still buy travel insurance — GHIC doesn’t cover repatriation or private costs.
Keep digital and paper copies of your GHIC/EHIC and policy number in the van.
Taking your pet abroad
GB pet passports are not valid for EU entry.
You’ll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an official vet within 10 days of entering the EU.
It covers 4 months onward travel and re-entry to GB within 4 months.
Dogs may require tapeworm treatment for some countries (e.g. Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway).
More: GOV.UK Pet travel rules
Country-by-country Low-Emission Zones (LEZs)
Country | Zone Type | Registration/Sticker | Official Site |
France | Crit’Air | Sticker required for many urban areas | |
Germany | Umweltplakette | Sticker needed for LEZ entry | |
Spain | ZBE | Pre-register foreign plates in major cities | Barcelona ZBE |
Italy | ZTL & Ecopass | Local registration varies | Local comune sites |
Austria | Umweltzone | Stickers mainly for commercial vehicles | |
Belgium | LEZ | Pre-registration needed (Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent) |
Wild camping legality by country
Country | Legal? | Notes |
France | ⚠️ Restricted | Tolerated in rural areas, banned in coastal parks. Use Aires. |
Spain | ❌ Mostly illegal | Overnight parking tolerated, camping setup banned. |
Portugal | ⚠️ Restricted | Only allowed in authorised spots; heavy fines elsewhere. |
Germany | ⚠️ Restricted | 1-night rest allowed (no awnings/outdoor setup). |
Norway | ✅ Allowed | “Right to Roam” applies; stay 150 m from houses. |
Sweden | ✅ Allowed | Freedom to roam; respect local signage. |
Italy | ⚠️ Varies | Depends on comune; coastal bans common. |
Ferry vs Eurotunnel comparison
Route | Typical Price (Campervan < 6 m, return) | Time | Pros | Cons |
Dover–Calais Ferry | £110–£180 | 90 mins | Flexible, scenic, pet-friendly cabins | Weather-dependent |
Eurotunnel Folkestone–Calais | £180–£240 | 35 mins | Fast, all-weather | Pricier, strict pet rules |
Portsmouth–Caen (Brittany Ferries) | £200–£350 | 6 hrs | Comfortable overnight | Expensive |
Plymouth–Roscoff | £180–£320 | 5–8 hrs | Great for SW travellers | Seasonal |
Tip: Book directly with operators and compare return vs open-jaw fares.
Vanlife-specific tips
Aires & Stellplätze – France’s Aires and Germany’s Stellplätze offer cheap or free overnight options with services.
Wild camping etiquette – Arrive late, leave early, and respect signage.
Gas/LPG – Carry adapter set; refillable systems save money long-term.
Ferries vs Tunnel – Tunnel is faster, ferries are more flexible for big vans.
Roaming and connectivity
Free EU roaming isn’t guaranteed since Brexit.
Some UK networks include it; others charge daily.
From October 2024, Ofcom requires clear roaming alerts and spend caps.
More: Ofcom roaming guidance
Tips
Consider local eSIMs for data.
Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me).
Carry a 4G/5G router with external antenna.
Printable 90/180 planner
Month | Schengen Days Used | Days Remaining | Notes |
Jan | 0 | 90 | |
Feb | 20 | 70 | Spain trip |
Mar | 10 | 60 | France |
Apr | 0 | 60 | UK base |
May | 0 | 60 | |
Jun | 15 | 45 | Italy |
Jul | 25 | 20 | Croatia |
Aug | 0 | 20 | Albania (non-Schengen) |
Sep | 0 | 20 | |
Oct | 0 | 20 | |
Nov | 0 | 20 | |
Dec | 20 | 0 | Winter in Spain |
Download and print this tracker. Recalculate after each crossing using the EU short-stay calculator.
FAQs
Can I “reset” my 90 days by leaving and re-entering? No. The 180-day window rolls; used days age out gradually.
Does EES make overstaying harder? Yes. EES records exact entry/exit dates. Overstays risk fines or bans.
Can I work remotely while on a tourist stay? Usually tolerated for UK employers; not for local employment. Check FCDO country pages.
Do I need an IDP? Not with a UK photocard licence in most of Europe. Paper licence holders might.
GHIC vs travel insurance? GHIC covers state care at local rates; travel insurance covers repatriation/private treatment. Have both.
Planning multi-country trips? Use the EU calculator and spend “time-out” in non-Schengen neighbours.
Van size limits? Old towns and LEZs can restrict larger vans, watch signage and use park-and-ride.
Key official resources
FCDO entry requirements: France
About this guide
This guide is maintained for accuracy and links directly to EU and UK government sources. Regulations can change, always double-check official sites before travel.
If you spot anything outdated, let VanLife.uk know so we can update it promptly.
Thank you for reading
Thanks for taking the time to read our complete Schengen and Europe guide for UK vanlifers. We hope it helps you plan smoother, stress-free trips across the continent, whether you’re chasing the winter sun or exploring hidden alpine villages.
If you found this guide useful, please share it with your fellow vanlifers, Facebook groups, or travel forums, it really helps VanLife.uk reach more people who love life on the road.
Safe travels, and see you out there on the open road 🚐💨
— The VanLife.uk Team
