Poland and Czech Republic

[Matt Cartney]

Thinking of taking a brief detour through these two countries on my way to the Alps this April (yer, I know it's not exactly 'on the way'!)

What are the borders like? Anything particular I need to know about riding in these countries, for example, do I need to buy local insurance etc?

Of course I'm hoping that with them being in the EU now I'll be able to ride thru the border at 100km/h like in France, Germany etc!

Matt

[Ghost Rider]

Hi Matt,

as long as you're crossing into/out of Poland and Czech Republic from another EU country, there's absolutley no problem. If you have a Green Card from your UK insurance company, this will normally cover these 2 countries, so no need to buy additional insurance.

Unfortunately, the borders are still there, so you can't yet go hammering through as you would from Belgium to France for example.

Only thing to be aware of - since there is historically a booming trade in stolen vehicles passing into Poland and Czech, you may well be asked for the original vehicle documents as proof of ownership. Make sure you've got these with you!

[MysteryB]

I traveled to Prague earlier this year and the borders fully open now, they opened them 1st of January this year.

So you will be able to hammer on through with out stopping.

[PJ]

Yep you can go on through with no hassle at all. In Czech Republic cars need a Motorway tag but bikes are exempt, not that you would use them anyway.

Careful of women in wearing next to nothing by the bushes after the Dresden border from Germany! Sounds crazy but it's true.

[Tony P]

Green Cards are not a legal requirement. Insurance is.

Most UK insurance includes basic legal minimum throughout the EU for up to a certain number of days a year - and certify to this effect on the reverse of the UK Certificate of Insurance. This document is accepted throughout the EU as proof of MINIMUM legal cover and costs nothing more.

A Green Card is a further Certificate that is largely obsolete for Police purposes throughout the EU. What it does represent though is an extention of your full policy cover in the UK to the countries you have requested be added - and you paid for.

POLAND BORDERS. Last summer I was asked for my bike's V5 and my EU Passport crossing from both Germany and Russia (Kalingrad) into Poland. Nothing more. Exit was virtually non stop - just a Passport check.The Russians had rather more formality, both in and out, but as you don't mention Kalingrad I wont clog up the thread with it. Take your bike to the head of any queues!

I have no experience of Czech by road. Air was straightforward.

Both countries are outside the Schengen Agreement area and will require a Visa if you are not using an EU passport.

[stevesawol]

Tony P
"Both countries are outside the Schengen Agreement area and will require a Visa if you are not using an EU passport. "

As mentioned in an earlier post this is no longer the case... they are now part of the Schengen Area.. Schengen area means free movement between member states. There will be a (very) ocassional border check, but this is not the norm.

Ride on.....

[Caminando]

Originally Posted by Matt Cartney

Thinking of taking a brief detour through these two countries on my way to the Alps this April (yer, I know it's not exactly 'on the way'!)

What are the borders like? Anything particular I need to know about riding in these countries, for example, do I need to buy local insurance etc?

Of course I'm hoping that with them being in the EU now I'll be able to ride thru the border at 100km/h like in France, Germany etc!

Matt

No problem with these borders, Matt. Just head to the front of the border queues, straight up to the control point.