Website URL : http://www.brittanyferries.ie/index.cfm?articleid=1692
Frequently Asked Questions - Holidays
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Travel Checklist

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Travel Checklist

Before going on holiday, please consider the following:

  • All passengers require a valid 10-year passport, except for children still under 16 who were added to an accompanying adult’s passport before 5th October 1998.
  • No child under the age of 16 can travel without a parent or legal guardian.
  • If you are not an EU citizen, check your visa requirements.
  • Drivers must carry a full driving licence, plus their vehicle registration and insurance documents.
  • If the car is not owned by you, a letter giving authority to drive the vehicle must be kept with the other paperwork – this includes company cars.

European Health Insurance Card

We strongly recommend that you obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), an application pack is available in Post Offices, or in Ireland, the Local Health Board. Many insurers insist on this being used before you can make a claim on your travel insurance.

Image depicting Cars embarking the mv Bretagne Image depicting A member of Brittany Ferries staff giving directions to a customer

Motoring Equipment

Ensure you comply with European Motoring Requirements by carrying the following essential items of accident, emergency and breakdown equipment.

Motoring in Europe Summary

France Spain
Minimum age at which UK driving Licence accepted 18 18
National Driving Licence required YES YES
International Driving Permit required NO NO
Vehicle Registration document required YES YES
Motor Vehicle Insurance required YES YES
Bail Bond required NO R
GB Sticker/ Europlates C C
Warning Triangle required C * C
Reflectorised jacket/ waistcoast C * C
Spare Headlamp bulbs required R R
Headlamp adjustment needed C C
Seatbelts required front and rear R R
Minimum age of children allowed in front seat 10 12
Wide acceptance of credit cards for petrol YES YES
Wide availability of unleaded petrol YES YES
Motorway Tolls payable YES YES
Maximum Motorway Speed Limit 130kph/ 81mph 120kph/ 74mph
On the spot Fines YES YES
R = Recommended. C = Compulsory. * Since 01/07/2008

All compulsory items are available from the onboard shop (subject to availability) check our list of Motoring Equipment for more information and prices.

Failure to Comply

In the event of prosecution and conviction for failure to comply with the legal requirements, the courts in all EEC countries have wide powers to impose stringent penalties, and the arresting officers have extensive powers to impose "on the spot fines".

On the Spot Fines

The moment these are demanded, they have to be paid in cash, in the local currency, to the arresting officer. Credit cards or travellers cheques are not accepted.

Pets Travel Scheme

If you have booked accommodation that accepts pets, you will need to allow plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements that allow your pet to travel under the Passport for Pets Scheme.