To Spain by car

Rules for importing cars from Ukraine to Spain

Ukrainians can import their personal cars with Ukrainian registration to Spain for up to 6 months within one year without paying customs duties, provided that:

• the car is registered to the owner or an authorized person (by power of attorney);
• the vehicle is used only for personal purposes (not for commercial transportation);
• at the end of the period, the car must be exported or cleared through customs.

Documents for importing a car to Spain

• vehicle registration certificate;
• driver's license;
• green card;
• foreign passport valid for 3 months after departure.

What to do if you are not the owner of the car?

If you plan to travel to Spain in a car that does not belong to you, you must have a document confirming your right to use the car. Most often, this is a power of attorney from the owner allowing you to use the vehicle abroad.

It is important that the power of attorney:

• Is in writing.
• Is translated into Spanish or English.
• Contains the owner's details, the driver's details, the car's specifications, the period of validity of the permit, and clearly states the purpose of use.

What else do you need to travel to Spain?

Medical insurance

When traveling to Spain, you must have medical insurance that covers the cost of treatment abroad. The insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the country. You can purchase such insurance through Visit Ukraine. This is especially important because in the event of an accident or illness, treatment in Spain can be expensive.

Toll roads

Many motorways in Spain are toll roads (autopistas de peaje). The toll depends on the route and distance, as well as the type of vehicle.

Payment is made at toll booths or automatically using electronic devices (e.g., Via-T).

The cost can vary:

• short sections — from 5 to 15 euros;
• long routes — up to 50 euros.

In addition, some tunnels and special bridges also charge a separate fee.

Environmental zones (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones)

Many large cities in Spain have low-emission zones — ZBE (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones). To enter these zones, you must have a special environmental sticker (Distintivo Ambiental), which determines the environmental class of the car.

In Spain, foreign cars cannot obtain a Spanish environmental sticker (Distintivo Ambiental) — they are simply not issued. However, entry into the “low emission zones” (ZBE) of Spanish cities (e.g., Madrid, Barcelona) is only permitted with prior authorization — failure to do so will result in a fine. The fine for entering a ZBE without permission (sticker and registration) is a minimum of €200.

If you are traveling to Spain with children

To travel abroad with a child under the age of 16 accompanied by one parent, you usually need a notarized consent form from the other parent.

Children may be accompanied by:

• One parent — the child's birth certificate and passport are required.
• Relatives — documents confirming family ties, birth certificate, and foreign passport are required.
• Third parties — a notarized power of attorney from one or both parents, the child's birth certificate, and a foreign passport are required.

For more information, please visit link.

Transporting animals by car

To bring pets into Spain, you will need:

• International veterinary passport.
• Rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days prior to entry).
• Microchipping (microchip must be implanted prior to vaccination).
• Treatment for ticks and worms (recommended).
• Certificate of no breeding value if the animal does not have a pedigree.

Animals must be transported in a special container or secured with special safety belts for animals.

For more details, follow the link.

Do I need to change my Ukrainian driver's license?

No, you do not need to exchange your driver's license if you are planning a short stay in Spain. Ukrainian licenses are recognized in Spain.

In some cases, it is recommended to have an additional international driver's license (IDP), especially if your plastic license was issued before 2016 or does not meet European standards.

However, if you have been granted temporary protection status and a temporary residence permit and plan to stay for more than 6 months, we recommend that you exchange your license for a Spanish one. You do not need to take an exam to do this — simply submit an application to your local DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) office.

Green card — mandatory!

To enter Spain in your own car, you must have a Green Card. It covers liability in the event of an accident in the country.

Without a Green Card, you may be denied entry at the border or fined in the country. You can apply for a Green Card online on our website before your trip — it's fast, safe, and convenient.