The electronic Green Card has become a modern alternative to a paper international insurance policy for motorists. However, many drivers ask whether there is a difference between an electronic and a paper policy, whether their legal force is the same, and how the rules for issuing a Green Card have changed in 2024. Find out the answers to the key questions about the electronic GREEN CARD policy

Insurance policy Green card for traveling abroad by car

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In September 2022, an electronic version of the Green Card policy was introduced in Ukraine. This allows car owners to take out a policy remotely, without the need to visit the insurance company's office in person. We will tell you how the electronic Green Card differs from the paper version of the policy and when a driver can show his or her policy in digital form at the border.

What is the Green Card?

The Green Card system was created in 1949 to provide international insurance coverage for drivers' liability in the event of an accident abroad. Its main idea is to provide victims of road accidents involving foreign vehicles with the opportunity to receive compensation for the damage caused. The Green Card is analogous to compulsory motor third-party liability insurance (CMTPL), but it is valid abroad.

The system has rules that require drivers traveling outside their country to have a Green Card policy. Without it, it will be impossible to cross the border. Ukraine is a member of the Green Card system, so its drivers traveling to European countries or other members of the system must obtain this insurance policy.

Main differences between electronic and paper Green Card

In general, the electronic Green Card fully corresponds to the paper version and has the same legal force. The main task of the Green Card is to confirm the availability of third-party civil liability insurance in the territory of the member countries of the international Green Card system, and the electronic version fully ensures this aspect.

Earlier we wrote about changes in car insurance conditions in 2025

The main aspects of the electronic Green Card

An electronic GREEN CARD policy has the same legal force as a paper one, and in Ukraine it is a legitimate document from the moment it is issued.

Important! Some countries still require a printed version of the Green Card insurance. In 2024, transitional rules apply, and by the end of 2024, some European countries may require a paper version of the policy. This is especially true for motorists entering Eastern European countries.

Paper policies are expected to be completely abandoned in 2025. Then all countries that support the Green Card system will accept exclusively electronic versions of policies, without the need to print a document for crossing borders.

Thus, the electronic Green Card is an absolutely equivalent replacement for the paper version. However, when traveling to countries requiring a paper form, it is recommended to have a printed copy of the document to avoid misunderstandings at the borders.

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On the need to print a Green Card insurance policy

After issuing a Green Card insurance policy and registering it in the MTIBU's unified database, the insurance company (through its agent or broker) sends the client a document in PDF format. This file contains the necessary documents to confirm liability insurance abroad.

What is included in the Green Card package?

The completed electronic Green Card package consists of:

• Certificate of insurance;
  
• The policy itself;
  
• Instructions for printing the document.
  

To fully comply with the requirements of the MTIBU, you need to print the pages of the certificate and policy on any printer in A4 format.

Why is it sometimes necessary to print the Green Card?

The MTIBU requirements for printing the Green Card are not accidental. Although many countries allow the presentation of an electronic version of the insurance policy from the phone, there may be situations when a printed document will become necessary. In particular:

1. Requirements of the local police. In some European countries, law enforcement officers may insist on presenting a paper version of the policy rather than an electronic one.

2. Problems with access to the electronic file. There may be a situation when the file cannot be accessed on the phone due to an unstable Internet connection, a low battery, or a technical malfunction of the device.

Where to apply for a Green Card? On the Visit Ukraine portal

One of the most convenient ways to take out Green Card insurance is to use the Visit Ukraine portal, which offers a simple and straightforward procedure for purchasing an insurance policy online.

How to apply for a Green Card on Visit Ukraine

The procedure for applying for a Green Card on the Visit Ukraine portal takes only a few minutes:

1) Follow the link;

2) Specify the country of destination;

3) Select the insurance period;

4) Select the type of car;

5) Indicate the date of the insurance policy's commencement;

6) Choose an insurance agent

7) Fill in your details;

7) Pay and receive your policy by e-mail

Please note! You can log in to your personal account on Visit Ukraine and then your data will be automatically updated during subsequent purchases.

As you can see, the process of applying for a Green Card on Visit Ukraine is as simple as possible, allowing you to get an electronic policy at any convenient time, without the need to personally visit the insurance company.After payment, you will receive an electronic policy that can be downloaded to your smartphone or printed out if necessary.

Benefits of applying for a Green Card at Visit Ukraine

✔️ Visit Ukraine offers a Green Card from different insurance agents, which allows you to choose an insurer for your GREEN CARD.

✔️ Speed and convenience. The ability to take out a policy at any time and place.

✔️ Simple cost calculation. The calculator on the site allows you to quickly get up-to-date information on the cost of the policy for your trip.

✔️ Support for electronic policies. The availability of an electronic format allows you to avoid unnecessary documents during the registration and during the trip, because the policy is stored electronically.

The electronic Green Card becomes a convenient and reliable solution for drivers planning to travel abroad. It has the same legal force as a paper policy, and from 2025 it will completely replace it. Issuing a Green Card on the Visit Ukraine portal is not only fast and convenient, but also a proven way to purchase this compulsory insurance for traveling abroad in your own car. We have packages available for different periods - from 15 days to 1 year, for cars and trucks, trailers and semi-trailers for trucks, as well as motorcycles and scooters.

Just a reminder. An appropriate insurance policy is also a mandatory requirement for obtaining a visa to most countries of the world. 

Do you have additional questions? Contact the Visit Ukraine hotline (Telegram | WhatsApp).

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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