5 Essential Tips to Know Before Driving to the Netherlands

A motorhome can provide an extremely empowering and affordable means of travelling to mainland Europe. Of the available destinations, the Netherlands is among the more popular ones. You can board a ferry and set up camp within a single day, even if you’re setting out from the north of the UK.

But getting the best experience for your motorhome in the Netherlands often means doing a little bit of preparation and planning. So, what might that look like?

Post-Brexit Travel Documentation

Brexit has made life slightly more complicated for motorhome drivers crossing into the EU. The good news is that you won’t need an International Driving Permit, unless your trip is going to take you outside of Europe. The same goes for your green card. You will, however, need your passport, and a full valid UK driving license.

Dutch Road Rules and Motorhome-Specific Regulations

In the Netherlands, the rules of the road are slightly different. It’s worth paying attention to these before you arrive. Overtaking is forbidden at pedestrian crossings, and campervans and cars with caravans must always be less than twelve metres long, four metres tall, and 2.5 metres wide. Several Dutch cities have clean air laws in place, too – so make sure that you pay the relevant charges before you enter them, in order to avoid a surprise bill.

Understanding the ETIAS Requirement

If you’re travelling around the Schengen Area, then you’ll want to learn about the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This is an authorisation that will allow the bearer to enter any valid European country for a few months. The authorisation is linked to your passport.

Pre-Trip Vehicle Health Check

Before you head out on a long international trip, it’s worth ensuring that your vehicle is in good shape. Run through a list of essential checks, including your tyre pressures, tread depth, fluid, lights, and brakes. It’s also worth stocking your motorhome with emergency supplies, and learning how to perform essential repairs yourself. If you know that you’re going to be travelling regularly, booking a full service might provide valuable peace of mind.

Emergency Protocols and Overseas Assistance

While you might hope that you never run into trouble during your travels, it’s worth knowing how to react when trouble finds you. The emergency services, for example, are contactable on 112. A Global Health Insurance Card will allow you access to healthcare, too.