Splitter vans need to have the following items on board:

• UK’ badge / sticker
• Hi vis jackets (for safety in case of a breakdown)
• Warning triangle (for safety in case of a breakdown)
• Head light beam benders
• First aid kit (this is a legal requirement in Austria, France and Germany)
• Winter tyres are mandatory for splitter vans traveling in Austria (1 Nov – 15 Apr), Finland (1 Dec – 28 Feb), Sweden (1 Dec – 31 Mar) and Germany (when conditions dictate)

Other Considerations

Other things to remember if driving a splitter van on tour on the continent:

• Driving on the other side of the road is quite confusing at first and is mentally demanding. It is very important that you take extra time and care to adjust to the change and drive with added caution until your confidence builds. Quite often drivers not used to driving a right hand vehicle on the right side of the road will tend to drift towards the left - towards the centre of the road. Be mindful of this!
• Speed limits are different across the different countries in Europe – speed limits should be checked in advance when you are planning your routes. Be mindful that in some countries the speed limit for vans is lower than that for cars.
• An emissions sticker (Crit’air) is needed to drive in some of France’s cities (see more info here - https://www.france.fr/en/article/crit-air-anti-pollution-vehicle-sticker/)
• Countries across Europe have different toll requirements on their motorways. Check the what is needed and how to pay while planning your routes
• When bringing musical instruments and equipment into Europe you will most probably need to use an ATA Carnet (more info can be found on these here: https://www.ism.org/advice/musicians-guide-to-ata-carnets/)
• IF you do use an ATA Carnet then you may also need to have a GMR number (Goods Movement Reference Number). Your ferry carrier will be able to advise in advance if this is needed. If you do need one it can be applied for here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-a-goods-movement-reference
• Merchandise being carried across borders will need to be declared. John Helps has posted a great guide to this here: https://www.johnhel.ps/blog/touring-merchandise-in-europe-post-brexit
• You can’t legally bring meat, milk or dairy products into the EU. You also can’t bring vegetables, plants, plant products or fresh fruit (apart from a small number of exceptions such as Bananas) into the EU unless they are inspected beforehand and you are issued with a phytosanitary certificate
• UK passports need a minimum of 6 months life left on them and be under 10 years old to be used to travel into the EU
• Also, be mindful of the 90 in 180 day rule. Non-EU nationals need a visa to enter the Schengen area for a visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. When someone enters a country in the Schengen area, the 180-day period starts. They can enter Schengen area countries as many times as they want, but only stay for a total of 90 days, every 180 days.
• When in France, Spain or Italy you might be asked for an A1 form, which is a document that confirms which country an employee makes their social security payments in (your promoters will tell you if you need this). A1 forms can be applied for here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-certificate-or-document-if-self-employed-in-the-eu-eea-or-switzerland-ca3837 
• If a road traffic accident occurs while you are driving in the EU the van instruction guide that comes with all BM Touring splitter vans has a complete set of instructions to follow
• You can apply for a free European Health Insurance Card before travelling here: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/  (not a legal requirement but highly recommended!)
• Splitter vans are often a hot target for thieves – take care where you park and take precautions wherever possible (like parking with the rear doors up against a wall)