Driving EU with Ukrainian Plates: Green Card vs. Local MTPL

Road trips across Europe are becoming increasingly popular among Ukrainians, and with this comes a growing need to properly arrange car insurance. In 2025, when travelling abroad with Ukrainian number plates, it is important to understand when a Green Card is required and when local motor insurance is sufficient. Find out what rules apply to Ukrainian drivers

Issuing a Green Card policy for travelling abroad by car

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More and more Ukrainians are choosing to travel around Europe in their own cars. It is convenient, economical and allows you to discover new routes without restrictions. But to ensure that your trip goes smoothly, it is important to understand the rules of car insurance in advance. In 2025, EU countries' requirements for Ukrainian motorists remain strict: in some places, a Green Card is required, while in others, local MTPL insurance is sufficient. Incorrectly completed documents can lead to fines and even confiscation of the car.

The most convenient way to purchase or renew a Green Card is online through Visit Ukraine, which is especially relevant for those who are already abroad.

What is a Green Card and when is it needed?

A Green Card (Green Card Ukraine) is an international compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance policy. It confirms that any damage you cause in a traffic accident abroad will be compensated.

The policy is mandatory when entering almost all European countries, including:

▪️ EU countries (Poland, Germany, Italy, France, the Czech Republic, etc.);

▪️ countries that are not members of the EU but participate in the system (Switzerland, Serbia, Turkey, etc.).

Without a Green Card, entry with Ukrainian number plates will be impossible or will result in a large fine.

You can purchase a policy in advance online through Visit Ukraine. The process takes a few minutes: select the term, pay, and receive an electronic document by email.

Can you get a Green Card while abroad? We explain here.

When you need local MTPL

Usually, a Green Card is sufficient. It fully covers the requirements for a short-term stay within the European Union. However, if your stay is prolonged and you live in one of the EU countries for more than six months, local authorities may require you to re-register your car and take out domestic insurance in accordance with their legislation.

Additional insurance may also be mandatory if you are driving a car rented abroad or have purchased a car with local number plates. In such cases, a Green Card is no longer sufficient — you will need European motor insurance.

The difference between MTPL and a Green Card:

A Green Card is valid in many countries at once. MTPL (local motor third-party liability insurance) is only valid within a specific country.

If you are planning a long trip through several countries, it is cheaper and safer to buy a Green Card online in advance. This will save you from additional costs and bureaucracy at the borders.

How the Green Card is checked at the border — we explained this in our previous article.

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Why is it worth taking out additional insurance?

Even if you have a Green Card, it is worth considering extended coverage, including health insurance.

It is especially important for drivers and passengers to take out medical insurance. It will cover the costs of treatment or hospitalisation in the event of an accident or sudden illness abroad. This is an essential part of any responsible trip.

Read also: Insurance company ratings 2025: who has the best Green Card?

Where to buy insurance online

On the Visit Ukraine platform, you can purchase:

❗️ A Green Card for travel to Europe;

❗️ Medical insurance with coverage in the EU.

Everything is done online: transparent terms and conditions, support in English and Ukrainian, instant delivery of the policy to your email.

👉 Get your Green Card online and travel without worries.

For safe travel in Europe, it is important to choose the right insurance: Green Card Ukraine — for trips to most countries, local MTPL — for short-term visits to certain countries.

With Visit Ukraine, you can purchase all the necessary policies online and set off on your journey with confidence: Green Card, travel and medical insurance will make your trip to Europe safe and comfortable.

Reminder! Ukrainians who travel or live in Poland often need to apply for or renew a Green Card to legally drive abroad. Find out if you can apply for a Green Card while abroad and what important details you should consider before travelling.

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.

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