EUROPE:
BEYOND
BREXIT
Europe is a campervan paradise, but the rules have changed for UK citizens. Here is how to prepare your van and your itinerary for the continent.
The 90 / 180 Day Rule
As a UK passport holder, you can now only spend **90 days in any 180-day period** within the Schengen Area. This means the classic "6-month summer tour of Europe" is no longer possible without securing a specific long-stay visa from a single country.
The Workaround
If you want to travel longer, you must spend time in non-Schengen countries to "reset" your clock. Popular non-Schengen destinations for van-lifers include:
- - Montenegro
- - Albania
- - Turkey
- - Morocco (Ferry from Spain)
Van Preparation
LPG Gas Adapters
If you have an underslung LPG tank, you need European fill adapters. The UK uses 'Bayonet', but you will need 'Acme', 'Dish', and 'Euro' adapters to fill up across the continent.
Headlight Deflectors
Your UK headlights dip to the left. You MUST fit beam deflectors to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic, or you risk heavy on-the-spot fines.
Toll Tags (Bip&Go)
Avoid the hassle of reaching out the wrong side of the van to pay tolls. A tag mounted on your windscreen automatically opens barriers in France, Spain, and Italy.
The 'Aires' Network
France and Germany are the most motorhome-friendly countries in the world. They operate networks of municipal parking areas specifically for motorhomes (called 'Aires' in France and 'Stellplatz' in Germany).
These are often free or very cheap (€5-€10) and usually provide fresh water and chemical disposal facilities. It makes European van life significantly easier than in the UK.