Driving in Europe from the UK: quick answers

The total stay in the Schengen area must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. Use the Schengen 90/180-day counter to check your days. GOV.UK also says you must be aware of the penalty and enforcement approach for going over the limit in each Schengen country you visit or pass through (GOV.UK).

EES is the EU's digital Entry/Exit System. It started on 12 October 2025 and is replacing passport stamping. On a first visit you may be asked to create a digital record and to give fingerprints and a photo at booths. On exit you may be asked for a fingerprint or a photo. The digital record is valid for 3 years (GOV.UK).

Not yet. GOV.UK says ETIAS is expected to start operations from autumn 2026, and no date has been confirmed (GOV.UK).

You do not need a UK sticker if your number plate shows the UK identifier with the Union flag. Plates with only letters and numbers, or with a GB identifier and the Union flag, need one, and so do plates with an EU flag or a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales. You must display a UK sticker in Spain, Cyprus and Malta whatever is on your plate. UK stickers have replaced the old white oval GB stickers, so cover or remove any GB sticker before you drive outside the UK (GOV.UK). For the full list, see the driving in Europe checklist.

GOV.UK says you need to take your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence with you to drive abroad. It also says you might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in some countries, and that you might need one for each country you visit. Check the official guidance for your destination before you travel (GOV.UK).

No. Ireland is not in the Schengen area, and GOV.UK says EES does not apply when you travel to Ireland or Cyprus, which is also outside Schengen (GOV.UK).

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