Switzerland allows refugees from Ukraine to stay in the country with their cars. We will tell you what rules apply to cars with Ukrainian registration in the country and what documents are required

Issuing a policy Green card for traveling abroad by car

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Many Ukrainian refugees have moved to Switzerland since the beginning of the full-scale war. Some of them plan to drive vehicles after arriving in this country. We will tell you what documents are required for this and how the rules for Ukrainian drivers in Switzerland have changed.

Ukrainian citizens living in Switzerland can drive a car with a valid paper driver's license, as well as a plastic card. But there are a few nuances:

• if the driver's license is written in Cyrillic, you must have an official translation;

• persons who professionally drive motor vehicles of categories C, C1 or D, D1 registered in Switzerland, as well as those who have a permit for professional passenger transportation, must exchange their license for a Swiss one;

• no later than 2 years after entering the country, Ukrainian driving licenses of all categories must be exchanged for Swiss ones;

• as part of the exchange process, Ukrainian drivers must undergo a control drive;

• anyone holding professional categories must also pass an additional theoretical test in one of the 3 official Swiss languages.

At the same time, Switzerland introduced some exceptions for Ukrainian drivers last year. In particular, digital driver's licenses are considered valid for persons with S status - the aforementioned exchange obligations apply equally.

In addition, driver's licenses that expired after February 24, 2022, and are therefore no longer valid can also be used until the ASTRA decision expires. However, if the documents expired before February 24, 2022, Ukrainians should apply for their exchange, as such licenses are not recognized for driving.

At the same time, persons who cannot present a driver's license but can otherwise confirm that they have completed a driver's training should also apply directly to the traffic service.

Can Ukrainians use their cars in Switzerland?

Vehicles that Ukrainians brought with them to Switzerland can be used in this country without paying any duty, but only by persons who have resided abroad for 6 months within a year (from the moment of entry into Switzerland). It is important that the car is registered in this country no later than one year later.

It should also be borne in mind that Ukrainian vehicles usually require a valid international insurance card to enter Switzerland. In order to avoid problems, it is necessary to purchase a "Green Card" insurance policy. You can do it online by following the link.

Read more about the "Green Card" and its features in our material.

If you are unable to present an international insurance card, you must take out border insurance. Border insurance taken out in an EU country is also valid in Switzerland. In Switzerland, you can obtain border insurance directly at the border guard or customs office.

We remind you! Since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine, Switzerland has launched a temporary protection program for Ukrainians called "Status S". Read more about how to apply for it and what you need to know here.

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