Do you need green card insurance for border crossings in the region?

Green card insurance is one of those things people bring along "just in case", even though they usually don't need it at all. Here's when it's actually required, and when it isn't.

Why you usually don't need one

Since 2012, for vehicles from Serbia travelling to countries that are signatories to the Multilateral Agreement, an ordinary registration sticker serves as proof of third-party liability insurance — a green card isn't needed.

What the green card actually covers

The green card is international proof that a vehicle has valid third-party liability insurance — for damage you might cause to another vehicle or person — recognised by all countries that are signatories to the green card system, including ones where your domestic policy wouldn't otherwise automatically apply. Without it, in a country that requires it, a driver would have to buy a local policy at the border or risk driving uninsured. The registration-sticker agreement mentioned above essentially replaces that function for countries that are signatories to the Multilateral Agreement — the sticker on the plates serves as the same proof the green card would otherwise provide.

By country in the region

• Montenegro: not required, based on the agreement on mutual recognition of policies with Serbia.

• Bosnia and Herzegovina: not required since 19 October 2020.

• Croatia: not required — Croatia is among the countries where the green card isn't mandatory.

When you might still need one

If your trip goes further, beyond the countries that are signatories to the Multilateral Agreement, a green card may still be needed. The safest approach before a longer trip is to quickly ask your insurer whether your destination falls within the covered area.

What if you need one at the border after all

If your trip goes to a country where the registration sticker isn't enough, it's best to request a green card from your insurer before you travel — most issue it free of charge or for a token fee, usually within a few days. If you forgot or didn't manage to request it in time, many border crossings let you buy temporary border insurance on the spot, for a period covering your stay — an emergency solution, but usually more expensive than the card you could have brought from home.

For other customs rules before you travel — cigarettes, alcohol, cash, pets — see our overview of customs rules for the region.

Rules are subject to change — check with your insurer or the Auto-Moto Association's website before you travel.