Taking your Military Vehicle Abroad
This information is given to the best of our ability using the information available at the time of writing .
Members are advised to check the source information themselves.
Members are advised to check the source information themselves.
MVT members can get a discount from Brittany Ferries on any crossing at any time of year - click here for more details
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Many of our members travel with their vehicles to foreign countries to visit landmarks and events.
Many travel to commemorations in Normandy, Holland or Belgium on the anniversaries of significant events, while others visit sites at different times of the year. Ferries and the Euro tunnel offer a wide range of crossing the English Channel or North Sea to get to the continent. You can either take your vehicle under its own steam or use a trailer to tow your vehicle. For owners who live further away from the ports, trailering saves time. |
Some countries place restrictions on longer, heavier or armoured vehicles – certificates might be required to get through customs. Vehicles with any armour plate, guns or holders for guns now require a permit. The MVT work in partnership with an agent who can support members to acquire the correct documentation. We strongly recommend that firearms are not taken abroad. Please contact us for more information.
Fuel availability – particularly for E10 and E5 petrol – can vary – we advise members to use one of the many phone apps available to help locate fuel of the right kind. |
OGELs (export licenses for historic vehicles visiting overseas)
In the past, there has been a great deal of confusion about whether export licenses are required when taking ex-military vehicles abroad to attend commemorative visits or for leisure purposes. The MVT have now received definitive guidance from our contact in the Export Control Joint Unit of the Department for Business & Trade.
The legislation called Open General Export Licence (historic military vehicles and artillery pieces) or OGEL covers historic military vehicles that are being temporarily exported for the purposes of historic-re-enactment, historic commemorative event, private battlefield tour or private recreational purposes.
Condition 4 (Registration) States: The requirements of Article 28 of the Order shall not apply to any export under this licence.
The legislation called Open General Export Licence (historic military vehicles and artillery pieces) or OGEL covers historic military vehicles that are being temporarily exported for the purposes of historic-re-enactment, historic commemorative event, private battlefield tour or private recreational purposes.
Condition 4 (Registration) States: The requirements of Article 28 of the Order shall not apply to any export under this licence.
Members simply need to print off and carry the OGEL document (the 2019 document/top/most recent on the following page)
Open General Export Licence (historic military vehicles and artillery pieces)
or use the pdf link below and have it ready to show customs if they are requested to do so.
Open General Export Licence (historic military vehicles and artillery pieces)
or use the pdf link below and have it ready to show customs if they are requested to do so.
| ogel_-_print_and_take.pdf |
Armoured Vehicles
Please note that for armoured vehicles, there are separate regulations and they will require certification.
Members are advised to read the licence carefully to ensure it meets their requirements. OGELs are licences with set terms and conditions which you must comply with. If you cannot meet all conditions, you will need to apply for a Standard Individual Export Licence (SIEL) via SPIRE.
Please contact us for help with taking armoured vehicles to France.
Members are advised to read the licence carefully to ensure it meets their requirements. OGELs are licences with set terms and conditions which you must comply with. If you cannot meet all conditions, you will need to apply for a Standard Individual Export Licence (SIEL) via SPIRE.
Please contact us for help with taking armoured vehicles to France.
Updated advice about taking vehicles into France on trailers
Members are reminded that the official advice remains to ensure that you take the correct paperwork when travelling into France with vehicles, especially if they are on trailers. All ex military vehicles are coming under increased scrutiny.
Vehicles from the UK can be temporarily imported into France for up to six months in any period of 12 months. Historic military vehicles are covered by a piece of legislation called an OGEL. Owners of all ex-military vehicles (whether trailered or not) should carry a copy of the exemption papers:
Open General Export Licence (historic military vehicles and artillery pieces)
Print out the top document (most recent). This should be carried in addition to V5 and insurance documentation etc that should accompany each vehicle.
Additionally, vehicles on trailers or taken inside another vehicle (as in the case of motorcyles etc) are regarded as cargo and should be declared at customs. The additional form required for trailered vehicles is called a CERFA and should be filled in and given to the authorities on arrival at a port. Failure to do so could attract a fine and a hefty fee based on thier approximation of the vehicles value - which can amount to almost £1000 for a jeep. You should exit the port in the red "goods to declare lane" and offer the completed CERFA form to officials. If the douanes wave you through and do not process the CERFA, you are advised to note the exact time that you were waved through, for reference on your return if you are challenged - although this is unlikely.
The two page form can be completed on a computer - the first page autofills the second. The translation is provided for guidance only. You should fill in the FRENCH VERSION.
Vehicles from the UK can be temporarily imported into France for up to six months in any period of 12 months. Historic military vehicles are covered by a piece of legislation called an OGEL. Owners of all ex-military vehicles (whether trailered or not) should carry a copy of the exemption papers:
Open General Export Licence (historic military vehicles and artillery pieces)
Print out the top document (most recent). This should be carried in addition to V5 and insurance documentation etc that should accompany each vehicle.
Additionally, vehicles on trailers or taken inside another vehicle (as in the case of motorcyles etc) are regarded as cargo and should be declared at customs. The additional form required for trailered vehicles is called a CERFA and should be filled in and given to the authorities on arrival at a port. Failure to do so could attract a fine and a hefty fee based on thier approximation of the vehicles value - which can amount to almost £1000 for a jeep. You should exit the port in the red "goods to declare lane" and offer the completed CERFA form to officials. If the douanes wave you through and do not process the CERFA, you are advised to note the exact time that you were waved through, for reference on your return if you are challenged - although this is unlikely.
The two page form can be completed on a computer - the first page autofills the second. The translation is provided for guidance only. You should fill in the FRENCH VERSION.
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Taking Axes, Tools etc
A recent incident involving a jeep from the UK, saw a Douane officer requesting that the owner of the jeep remove his axe from the side of the jeep before boarding the ferry. The reason was purely a question of prevention, as in the past axes have been taken off vehicles and used as weapons. Furthermore, several owners have had axes stolen from jeeps whilst in France. It may therefore be advisable to remove axes before you travel. The same applies to tools on Pioneer racks which are prone to theft and might be confiscated on arrival.
Highway Rules and Regulations
There is a considerable variation in driving and highways rules and regulations between different countries – even between the countries within the EU. Many have strict regulations about what paperwork and equipment must be carried - if you choose to take a trailer remember you may need separate documentation for that. Make sure that you are aware of which ones will apply to you.
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Good sources of information include:
The RAC Government advice for the EU Country to Country Rules – The AA |
In addition to toll roads, Some European Cities have introduced very strict low emission zones For extra charges on the roads click here – For France |
