Travelling abroad with a child in your own car is a responsible thing to do. Find out more about how to cross the border with a child and what rules apply to transporting children in Europe

Insurance policy Green card for traveling abroad by car

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If you are planning a trip abroad with a child in your own car, you need to know in advance about all the nuances of crossing the border, the necessary documents for travelling with a child, and the requirements of the law on equipping a car for the needs of a child. We will tell you more about all these aspects in the article below.

What documents are required to travel abroad with a child?

The following documents are required to travel abroad with a child:

● passport (if available);
● birth certificate.

Important: children under the age of 16 accompanied by one of their parents, grandparents, adult brother, sister, stepmother, stepfather or other persons authorised by one of the parents in a written statement certified by the guardianship and custody authority may travel abroad without the notarised consent of the other parent.

Read more about the rules and documents for crossing the border with a child in 2024 here.

Rules for transporting children in Europe: requirements for car equipment

When travelling by car with a child, safety should be a priority. European countries have established clear requirements for the equipment of cars for transporting children. Remember that some European countries have their own standards for the safe transport of children by car, so you should research the local rules and requirements of the country you are travelling to before you go.

In Europe, transporting children without a car seat is prohibited. All children under 150 cm tall and weighing up to 36 kg cannot travel in a car without a special car seat or booster. This is a mandatory requirement for the safe transport of a child.

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Child car seat: requirements

● Children from birth and up to 10-13 kg. It is mandatory to transport them in a 0+ car seat or car seat, which is attached in such a way that the child's back is facing the direction of traffic.

● Children from 13 to 25 kg. Compulsory carriage in a car seat secured with seat belts.

● Children from 25 to 36 kg. It is allowed to transport children on special adapters, in other words, boosters, with or without a backrest. Please note that a car booster is only allowed for children from 125 cm in height.

Transporting children in the front seat in Europe

Installing a car seat in the front seat of a car is not prohibited in Europe, but there are several mandatory rules:

● The airbag must be switched off;

● The seat must be pushed back to ensure the maximum possible distance between the child and the dashboard;

● It is recommended that the child is transported with his or her back to the direction of travel.

After reaching the age of 12 (provided that the child's height is more than 150 cm and weight is more than 36 kg), it is allowed to transport children in the front seat in Europe without special seats and adapters.

Car insurance for travelling abroad

To protect both yourself and your child, you need to take out car insurance when travelling abroad in your own car. The Green Card is a mandatory international motor third party liability insurance policy that covers the costs of compensation for damage caused to life, health and property of third parties as a result of an accident in the territory of the member states of the international Green Card agreement.

It is better to buy insurance online because it is quick and easy. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can take out a Green Card policy from a licensed insurer. Packages are 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! Travelling abroad by car requires preliminary preparation, as this is one of the key aspects that helps to avoid unforeseen problems and expenses. For useful tips on how to prepare your car for a trip abroad and all the necessary documents, please follow the link.

Photo: Freepik

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Are you planning a trip to Europe by car? A Green Card from Visit Ukraine is your reliable protection on European roads. Fast processing, affordable prices and complete peace of mind while travelling. Apply for a Green Card and enjoy a safe trip abroad!

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;

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