Traveling abroad
We have gathered the most useful tips and advice to help you prepare for traveling abroad by car. Please select which topic interests you: travel within the European Union or travel outside of it.
Important information
- In case of a problem or accident with your vehicle abroad and if you need assistance, you can find the contact details of our assistance service HERE.
- Before traveling, ensure you have all the necessary documents you might need during your journey.
Necessary documents
When using your vehicle abroad, always carry the following documents received at the time of vehicle handover:
- General vehicle authorization
- International Insurance Certificate ("Green Card")
- Valid driving license
- Vehicle registration document
Tip: If you cannot find your general vehicle authorization, you can easily download it from your MOL Mycarius MOL Mycarius profile after your registration is valid. (Hungarian guide) Please note before registering that our customer portal is currently available only in Hungarian.
International Insurance Certificate ("Green Card")
When traveling outside Hungary, always carry your Green Card with you.
The International Insurance Certificate (commonly known as the “Green Card”) is a black-and-white A4 document confirming the extension of your mandatory Hungarian vehicle liability insurance to abroad. You will receive this document from our MOL Mercarius staff when you pick up your vehicle.
If you need a replacement, you can request it directly by email to our customer service. For faster processing, you can also contact us through the Contact form , where you will find the Green Card option under the “Other” section. Additionally, if you have access to the MOL Mycarius Customer portal, you can download the document yourself under the Car/Insurance menu. Please note that our customer portal is currently available only in Hungarian. (Hungarian guide)
Tolls in Europe
European motorways are generally toll-based, with a few exceptions. Before you travel abroad, it’s important to gather reliable information about the tolls in the specific country. If you purchase a motorway sticker online, ensure the website is trustworthy and official.
Hungary borders seven countries and has more than 80 road border crossings available for vehicles. It’s advisable to check the opening hours of these border crossings in advance and plan which one to approach. Also, don’t forget to verify where you will need a motorway sticker immediately after crossing. Preparing ahead will help ensure a smooth and trouble-free journey!
Winter tires and snow chains
During the winter season, it is important to prepare for different road conditions. In some countries, the use of winter tires and snow chains is mandatory, so it’s essential to check the specific requirements of your destination country and any countries you will pass through.
You can find the latest information on the official website of the Disaster Management Service. Following these regulations not only enhances your safety but also improves the efficiency of traffic flow.
Environmental sticker
The environmental sticker is a label that must be affixed to the vehicle’s windshield. It allows drivers to access certain European cities or specific districts within them. The purpose of this sticker is to improve air quality and overall living conditions in environmental zones, which are often located in city centers.
In these zones, only vehicles that are the least polluting can enter. Many countries, such as Germany (Umweltplakette), Austria (Pickerl), and France (Crit’Air) , have already introduced these environmental zones, and their numbers are increasing across Europe. If a vehicle does not have the appropriate sticker, the driver may face fines up to €2,180 (approximately 708,000 HUF), depending on the country’s regulations.
Please note that MOL Mercarius staff do not handle administrative procedures for obtaining these environmental stickers. If you travel to a zone where it is required, you are responsible for arranging it yourself.
Hungarian citizens' rights
As a Hungarian citizen, you have the right to travel freely within the 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Although these countries are not EU members, they are part of the Schengen Area.
For travel, you need a valid passport or identity card. Generally, you don’t have to present your identity document unless an emergency or specific situation requires it.
It is important to note that if you travel between a Schengen country and Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, or Romania, you will need to carry your documents, as these countries are EU members but are not full Schengen Area participants.
Important information
- If you encounter a problem or accident with your vehicle abroad and need assistance, you can find the contact details of our assistance service HERE.
- Please note that the general vehicle authorization you received at the time of vehicle handover is NOT sufficient for travel outside the EU.
Necessary documents
Travel outside the EU (e.g., Ukraine, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina) is only possible with a special notarial document. Since the issuance of this document is handled by an independent notary and not by MOL Mercarius, it is recommended to request it at least two weeks before your trip.
The one-time cost of the notarial authorization is currently net 40,000 HUF + VAT, and this expense is always borne by the client.
The document can be requested via email at ugyfelszolgalat@molmercarius.hu.
Whenever you travel outside Hungary, always carry your Green Card with you.
The International Insurance Certificate (commonly called the “Green Card”) is a black-and-white A4 document that confirms the extension of your mandatory Hungarian vehicle liability insurance abroad. You will receive this document from our MOL Mercarius staff when you pick up your vehicle.
If you need a replacement, you can request it directly by email to our customer service. For faster processing, you can also contact us through the Contact form , where you will find the Green Card option under the “Other” section. Additionally, if you have access to the MOL Mycarius Customer portal you can download the document yourself under the Car/Insurance menu. Please note that our customer portal is currently available only in Hungarian. (Hungarian guide).
Please note: Green cards issued for Azerbaijan, Cyprus, and Serbia only cover the geographical areas under the jurisdiction of the respective country’s government. More information on this topic can be found here.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the car provided by MOL Mercarius abroad?
In which countries can I use the car without extra procedures?
Do I need additional insurance for traveling abroad?
What should I do, if I have an accident abroad?
First, notify local authorities or the central emergency number and complete the accident report. Our on-duty assistance team is available any day of the year at our central phone number (+36 1 770 1000). If your travel is disrupted, contact us as soon as possible! More details on how we can assist you in case of an accident abroad are available.
Keep the accident report and any documents issued by local authorities, as they are essential for subsequent claims processing.
What service support do I get abroad, if the car breaks down?
What should I pay attention to when using highways abroad?
Almost all European countries charge for highway use. Where there is no toll booth system, you must purchase a physical or electronic toll sticker in advance (available at gas stations).
Check the rules of the country you are visiting and obtain the required stickers or register with the appropriate systems.
Also, check which border crossings require immediate purchase of the highway sticker.