I am a firm believer in keeping a copy of all documents, if riding alone, I keep the copies either in the top pannier or tank bag and the originals in a leg bag attached to me when riding. If riding with someone else I give a copy of my documents to them and carry their copies. I usually keep all documents in a waterproof bag to protect them. I also have a folder on my phone with a copy of all documents on.
What you carry depends on where you’re riding. See our document guides further down this page. Also see our Riding in Europe guide.
Apps, Maps & Navigation
From the start, I will say that I am not a overly huge fan of being told where to go, I prefer to have a rough idea in my head of the next destination, but if I see somewhere I want to go that’s on the left, then you can be sure that I am taking the next available left! But I do like to have a ‘get out of jail free card’ with either a map or an app.
I like a map for planning and making a rough route beforehand, and the GPS is a back up, help me to find food and fuel etc.
Apps
Google maps is a great app for a quick ride, for further afield I use MapsME, which you can download regions, I believe you can download 10 for free after than you have to pay. Apps are great as a backup but I personally wouldn’t use them as a main navigational aid.
I do like a map, I find it easier to plan a route, I prefer the National Geographic maps due to them being water and rip proof.
Navigation
I currently use the Beeline Moto2 navigation system with the Beeline app.
Banking
I would always recommend a no fee debit card. I have used Monzo throughout Europe and Africa with no charges or issues, using this link with get you £10 free if you sign up and make a card payment within 30 days.
Breakdown cover
In the UK breakdown cover is taken for granted. Most British companies offer European cover also. Travelling further afield may require some digging
A Carnet de Passage (CDP), lets you temporarily take your UK registered vehicle into certain countries.
Communication
When travelling in Europe I use o2 SIM cards. 12 month unlimited data or 1 month unlimited data. Further away and the rest of the world, I use a eSIM from Holafly.
Constat Amiable d’accident Automobile
In English, it is known as a European Accident Statement (EAS) and is designed to be accepted by all insurance companies across the continent as the information contained is the same no matter the language. From our research, it appears to still be widely accepted in the UK following Brexit, as it contains all the key information insurers need to know after an accident. The form has two sides to complete – one for each driver – and for every version of the form, the questions are in the same place regardless.
European Travel Information and Authorisation System
The EU plans to introduce the Entry/Exit system (EES). This is a new digital border system that will change requirements for British nationals travelling to the Schengen area.
If you are travelling to a country in the Schengen area using a UK passport, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints or a photo, when you arrive. EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU.
The exact date that EES will be introduced has not been confirmed.
Get advice and warnings about travel abroad, including entry requirements, safety and security, health risks and legal differences in 226 different territories across the world.
Where ever you travel, emergency contact details need to be easily found. Even more so if you have an allergy, medical history or a medical belief.
Unless there is a way to find out who you are and your requirements, you may end up stuck!
As much as we don’t want to think about it or don’t think it will happen to us, I cannot stress how important personal insurance is.
I have ridden more miles than I care to remember and when I was younger I didn’t even consider personal insurance, in fact if I am honest, I didn’t know that it was a thing. Now, I am covered and wouldn’t be happy without it.
International certificate of insurance (Green Card)
A Green Card is an international certificate of insurance that provides visiting motorists with proof of the minimum compulsory insurance required by the law of the country they are visiting.
International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis
International Health Regulations (IHR) allow countries to require arriving travellers to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases.
International Certificate for Motor Vehicles.
Taking your vehicle to Liechtenstein, Mexico or Somalia?
You must take an International Certificate for Motor Vehicles (ICMV) with you as well as your V5C.
An International Driving Permit (IDP), sometimes known as an international driver’s license, allows you to drive legally in countries that require one. It is a document that translates your identifying information into different languages.
Money.
Where ever you are travelling, it is always worth carrying some currency in cash form. Apple/Android pay and cards are all well and good, but not everywhere in the world has the same access to the technology as we do. Also, technology can go wrong, bank accounts can accidentally get blocked (especially when travelling long distances, banks may think the transactions are fraud).
Depending on where your travel plans are it may or may not be possible to order the currency, some countries do not permit their currency to leave their ‘land’. The Euro is the most widely used currency in Europe. However most places anywhere in the world will exchange American Dollars (USD) and Pounds Sterling (GBP) to their local currency.
Passport
A passport is an official travel document issued by a government that certifies a person’s identity and nationality for international travel. A passport allows its bearer to enter and temporarily reside in a foreign country, access local aid and protection, and obtain consular assistance from their government.
Ensure that your passport is not going to expire within six months of travelling.
People have been asking for a QR code for the website, I have managed to create one.
Motorbike shipping is a very large subject. The basics are, the quicker you want the bike there the more the cost. However when it comes to shipping internationally, things can get much more complex. Different countries have very different rules when it comes to importations and exportations, so ensuring you are familiar with them and have all required documents is critical.
Travel insurance
No matter where your going travel insurance is a must, personally, I buy a single trip policy rather than a yearly one. The biggest thing to check is that riding a motorbike is covered.
A travel visa is a type of legal document that is usually issued by a nation state to a foreign citizen, which may permit the foreigner to enter, stay, work or travel within the territory.
A visa may specify a limit on the length of time the alien may reside in the territory, or set the dates between which they may enter and leave. You may hold a passport (or multiple passports, for example if you are a national of more than one country), as well as multiple visas, whether for the same country or different countries.
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
GHIC lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.
The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Please note, this page was updated in July 2025.