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Customs Checks in Eastern European Countries
Although the borders within the EU are open, border controls in countries like Poland and the Czech Republic can significantly disrupt your holiday plans. Do you know exactly what to look out for to avoid delays and fines?
Random Checks and Controls: What to Expect?
Fortunately, travelling within the European Union no longer means systematic passport controls. Nevertheless, countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia regularly conduct random checks, specifically targeting cars with caravans and motorhomes. Customs and police focus on specific issues. They check for overloading, the presence of prohibited goods, and the general technical condition of your vehicle and trailer. A check may consist of weighing on a mobile weighbridge, an inspection of your load, and checking your documents.
‘ The Polish authorities strictly control for overloading. ’
Border Rules for Poland
Many travellers wonder if they are allowed to take a gas cylinder for their caravan across the Polish border. The answer is yes, provided you adhere to the rules. Standard, approved gas cylinders for camping use are permitted, as long as they are properly connected and secured. Ensure that your caravan’s gas inspection sticker is valid. Besides the gas installation, weight is an important consideration. The Polish authorities strictly control for overloading. Weigh your caravan before departure to ensure you remain within the permitted limits. Don’t forget the mandatory equipment, such as a warning triangle and reflective safety vests.
Through the Czech Republic with a Caravan
Similar points of attention apply to the Czech Republic. Standard camping equipment generally poses no problems at the border. An important point is the toll system. You need a vignette to use motorways in the Czech Republic. If you are travelling with a car and a caravan, the rule is simple: only the towing vehicle requires a vignette, regardless of the caravan’s weight. You can easily purchase this vignette online or at the border. Make sure you have this arranged before you drive onto the motorway, as the fines are hefty. Here too, it is wise to have the mandatory safety equipment in order.
Mandatory Equipment in Eastern Europe
Rules for mandatory equipment can vary by country. A good basic set for travelling to and through Eastern Europe includes the following items:
- Warning Triangle: For a combination with a trailer or caravan, a second warning triangle is mandatory in countries such as Slovenia and Croatia.
- Reflective Safety Vests: Ensure you have a reflective vest for every occupant. Keep them within easy reach, not in the boot.
- First-aid Kit: A complete and approved first-aid kit is a requirement in many countries.
- Spare Bulbs: A set of spare bulbs is no longer mandatory everywhere for cars with xenon or LED lighting. However, it can be useful to carry a set to avoid discussions.
Checklist for a Smooth Border Crossing
Good preparation prevents unnecessary stress. Before you depart and as you approach a border, check the following points:
- Documents: Are your passport or ID card, driving licence, and the registration certificates for both the car and the caravan complete? Also check the validity of your green card.
- Weight: Is the total weight of your caravan, including load, within the legal limit and your car’s maximum towing capacity?
- Load: Are gas cylinders securely fastened? Are there no prohibited goods on board, such as large quantities of meat or dairy products?
- Vignettes and Tolls: Do you have the correct vignettes for the countries you are passing through? For some countries, a special toll device is required for heavier combinations.
A well-planned trip is a relaxed trip. On the Traveler Tips website, you will find much more practical information about preparing for your road trip, the most beautiful routes through Europe, and useful tips for on the go. Discover how to travel smarter and with more experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When crossing eastern borders with your caravan, several documents are essential. You should always have your driving licence, caravan Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC), and green card readily available. For animals, a European pet passport, including microchip and rabies vaccination, is mandatory. Before departure, also ensure you check the specific import limits of the respective country.
When travelling with a caravan to Eastern countries, special rules apply to goods. Customs checks are common and focus on overloading, prohibited goods such as meat and dairy (over 10kg), and drugs. Always keep documents and import limits handy. For animals, a European pet passport, microchip, and rabies vaccination are mandatory.
To ensure efficient customs checks at Eastern borders, make sure all travel documents, such as passports and vehicle papers, are immediately accessible. Prior to departure, check and comply with country-specific mandatory equipment requirements, such as warning triangles and reflective safety vests, and weigh your vehicle to prevent overloading. Purchase necessary vignettes and toll units in good time and inquire about any environmental zones. Finally, be prepared for random checks and cooperate calmly with customs officials to minimise delays.
The most current and reliable sources for information on customs regulations for caravans and camping equipment at Eastern border crossings are national customs websites of countries such as Croatia and Slovakia. Additionally, ANWB and other European websites, as well as specific forums for motorhome and caravan enthusiasts, offer valuable supplementary information and practical experiences. It is advisable to check the specific import limits and mandatory equipment per country before departure.
Yes, when travelling through Eastern countries with a caravan, you must consider differing requirements. This includes stricter customs controls, mandatory equipment such as two warning triangles in Croatia and Slovenia, and specific toll rules and vignettes for both the towing vehicle and the caravan in countries such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Furthermore, overloading is a common checkpoint, with fines that can be substantial. Also ensure you have the correct documents and any environmental stickers.
Failure to comply with customs regulations for caravans and camping equipment at Eastern borders can lead to various consequences. For instance, customs and police may carry out random checks, often with X-ray scans and drug detection dogs, focusing on prohibited goods such as meat and dairy (over 10kg) or drugs. Overloading can result in fines, which in Austria can be up to €2180. The absence of mandatory equipment, such as a second warning triangle in Croatia or Slovenia, can also lead to fines. Furthermore, there are specific vignettes for motorhomes and caravans in countries like the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and environmental zones may restrict access to cities.
