How is the Green Card checked at the border?

Planning a trip abroad by car? Find out how the Green Card is checked at the border, what form the insurance policy can be presented in, what the consequences are for not having one, and how to apply for a Green Card online without any hassle

Issuing a policy Green card for traveling abroad by car

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When planning to travel abroad in their own car, Ukrainian drivers must take care of car insurance. The most important document is an international civil liability insurance policy, known as a “Green Card.”

We will tell you how the Green Card is checked at the border, what form the document should take, what the consequences are for not having it, and how to obtain a Green Card online without leaving your home.

Planning a trip abroad in your own car?

Apply for a mandatory Green Card policy online in just a few minutes!

What is a Green Card policy?

A Green Card is international car insurance that covers the driver's liability to third parties in the event of an accident abroad. It is essentially the same as compulsory car insurance, but for travel to other countries.

The policy is mandatory for crossing the border by car both in the direction of the EU and when entering Ukraine. The presence of the policy is checked by border guards on both sides.

Currently, the most convenient way is to buy a Green Card online through verified services. One of the most reliable options is to purchase a policy through the Visit Ukraine portal. It is fast, official, and without unnecessary bureaucracy — you receive the policy immediately by email in PDF format.

How is the Green Card checked at the border?

When leaving and entering Ukraine, border guards check whether the driver has a valid Green Card insurance policy. Customs officers in other countries do the same.

The driver is asked to provide the vehicle documents, license, technical passport, and insurance policy. In some cases, they may separately verify the car's number with the information in the insurance policy.

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Is insurance purchased online valid?

Yes, car insurance for Europe purchased online is completely legal and accepted at the border. It is only important that the insurance is registered in the MTIBU database.

The Visit Ukraine portal allows you to purchase a green card online only from accredited insurance companies, which guarantees its validity and legality.

Can I have a digital policy (paper version or PDF)?

Yes, from 2022, it will be sufficient to show an electronic version of the policy — a PDF or screenshot with a QR code. It is not necessary to print it out. This is the format in which you will receive your insurance if you choose to apply for a green card online through Visit Ukraine.

In addition to compulsory car insurance, when traveling abroad, you should also take care of your own safety by purchasing travel medical insurance. It covers the costs of treatment, medical evacuation, and sometimes flight delays or lost luggage. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can purchase not only a Green Card, but also travel insurance — quickly, online, and with a guarantee of compliance with EU requirements. This is convenient, especially if you are traveling with your entire family.

How is the validity of the policy checked — through the MTIBU database or an international database?

Border guards may:

check the insurance by the number in the MTIBU database;

or through the international database — in European countries.

Checking the green card takes a few seconds — the main thing is that the policy details are correct and up to date.

What happens if there is no insurance or it is fake?

If you do not have insurance:

border guards may refuse you entry or exit;

forging a policy is a criminal offense;

in the EU without a policy, you face fines and financial risks in the event of an accident.

If you want to be sure, choose a reliable service, such as Visit Ukraine, where the policy is officially issued and immediately registered in the database.

How many days of coverage should be valid at the time of crossing the border?

The policy must be valid on the day of crossing the border. If it starts the next day, this is grounds for refusal of passage.

At Visit Ukraine, you can choose the start date of your insurance yourself — even “from today.” This allows you to avoid unpleasant situations.

Why is it important to have a valid Green Card?

Getting car insurance for Europe is not only a requirement, but also your personal protection. Without valid insurance:

you may be denied entry at the border;

in the event of an accident, the driver will be fully liable for the costs;

in case of forgery, fines or criminal prosecution are possible.

How to get a Green Card online?

The fastest and most convenient way is to get a Green Card online through the Visit Ukraine service. Advantages:

- registration in 5–10 minutes;

- choice of validity period from 15 days to one year;

- instant delivery of a PDF file to your email;

- guaranteed verification in the MTIBU database.

Before traveling, be sure to check that your insurance is valid on the date of crossing. And it's better not to take any chances with dubious sellers — choose trusted online services to avoid problems at the border and focus on your trip.

Get your Green Card on Visit Ukraine and travel worry-free!

Remember. When planning a trip abroad by car, it is important to obtain a Green Card policy for the appropriate period in advance. The choice of term depends on your plans and frequency of travel. We explain here how long you can obtain a Green Card for.

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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