How many days does it take to apply for a “Green Card” for a car when travelling abroad: here’s what drivers need to bear in mind

Travelling abroad by car requires you to prepare the necessary documents. The insurance only comes into effect the day after it has been entered into the MTIBU database. Purchasing a policy directly at the barrier may result in you losing your place in the ‘e-Queue’. Find out how many days in advance you need to arrange a ‘Green Card’ to ensure your trip goes ahead

Insurance policy Green card for traveling abroad by car

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Planning a trip abroad in your own car? Without a Green Card, you simply won’t be allowed through. This is compulsory insurance that protects the driver in 47 countries in the event of a road traffic accident. But if you put off buying a policy until the last minute and try to arrange it just before the border barrier, your trip could be ruined.

Planning a trip abroad in your own car?

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When does the Green Card for a car come into effect?

Many drivers are used to arranging insurance literally ‘on the go’, as they approach the border crossing. The Motor (Transport) Insurance Bureau of Ukraine (MTIBU) warns: this is a huge risk.

According to the rules of the international system and Ukrainian legislation, the insurance certificate comes into force no earlier than 00:00 on the day following the day of its issue and entry into the Unified Centralised Database. Put simply: if you purchased the policy today, it will only officially take effect at the border tomorrow.

How does the Green Card affect bookings on eCherga?

For those using the ‘eCherga’ online service, having insurance in place in advance is critical. The booking system automatically synchronises with the MTIBU database and checks for valid insurance cover for the vehicle.

If, at the time of the check, the policy has not yet come into effect or is missing, “eCherga” will instantly and automatically cancel your booking to cross the border. To avoid losing your place in the queue, you must take out insurance at least 24 hours before departure, ensuring that the policy covers the entire period of your stay abroad.

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Where can you quickly arrange a ‘Green Card’ online?

There is no need to visit an insurance company’s office today — you can arrange an international policy from your smartphone, and its electronic version is officially recognised by border guards in all participating countries.

Special offer from Visit Ukraine: Looking for a reliable and quick way to get insurance? Apply for a ‘Green Card’ on the Visit Ukraine portal. The process takes just a few minutes: select the required dates, enter your vehicle details and pay for the policy online. A ready-made certificate from official insurers who are members of the MTIBU will be sent to your email immediately. The Visit Ukraine team also provides round-the-clock support should you have any questions.

Once purchased, the policy details are automatically entered into a centralised database. You can always check the status of your policy online on the official MTIBU website: policy.mtsbu.ua. In the event of a road traffic accident abroad, it is this document that guarantees that the insurance company will compensate the injured party for their losses (payout limits in Europe are often calculated in millions of euros).

What do you need to check before travelling abroad by car?

A safe and stress-free journey requires thorough preparation. In addition to having a ‘Green Card’, drivers are advised to:

1. Check the validity of all passengers’ passports and driving licences.

2. Ensure the vehicle is roadworthy (have it serviced, check fluids and tyre pressure).

3. Familiarise themselves with the traffic regulations of the destination country and the rules of transit countries.

4. Check the requirements regarding road tolls (vignettes) and mandatory equipment in the vehicle (European-standard first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, high-visibility vests).

5. Pre-paid tolls and a valid insurance policy will help you avoid fines, time wasted at customs and unnecessary stress on the road.

Please note! If you are planning to travel from Ukraine to Poland in your own car, you should familiarise yourself with the country’s driving regulations to avoid any unpleasant situations. Find out more about checkpoints, necessary documents, convenient routes and the main provisions of the Highway Code.

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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;

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