Taking your vehicle abroad

You can take your Scheme vehicle abroad. You’ll need to get a VE103 certificate before you travel.

You can read the full list of where you can go and still get your all-inclusive package.

If you’d like to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need written permission. Please contact us at least three weeks before you travel. We’ll let you know if we can agree to this and confirm our decision in writing.

The support available abroad can be different from the support you get in the UK. It’s worth understanding what’s available before you travel, especially if you use a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle) or adaptations.

Before you travel

It’s important to plan ahead and understand the support available if something goes wrong while you’re away.

Before you travel:

• Check your destination is covered by the Scheme and what breakdown cover is available there
• Check if being outside the UK for an extended period could affect your allowance
• Check the travel rules for the places you’re visiting, including whether you need to display a UK sticker
• Think about how you would manage if your vehicle could not be used for a period of time, particularly if you need an accessible vehicle to travel
• Arrange personal travel insurance that meets your needs
• Get your VE103 certificate
• Read the RAC information that comes with your VE103

You must get a VE103 certificate before you travel

A VE103 is a certificate that proves you have permission to take your Scheme vehicle abroad.

You need to take your VE103 with you when you travel.

The VE103 certificate is valid for 12 months and covers you for multiple trips outside the UK during that time.

If you live in Northern Ireland, you’ll also need a VE103 certificate to travel to the Republic of Ireland for any length of time.

Here’s how to get one:

1. Call the RAC on 0800 731 3310 at least three weeks before you leave
2. Tell them about your travel plans
3. Understand how your cover works. The RAC can talk you through this

Who needs to pay an admin feed for a VE103 certificate?

If you ordered on or after 1 July 2026, you will need to pay a £22 admin fee for the VE103 certificate. If you get your allowance from Social Security Scotland, the admin fee applies to new orders placed on or after 1 September 2026.

Customers in Northern Ireland will not need to pay the £22 admin fee when travelling to the Republic of Ireland. We’re offering this extra support because many customers regularly travel across the border as part of their everyday journeys.

Understand your breakdown cover

The service you get abroad can be different from the service you get in the UK.

If you break down:

• A local breakdown company might come to help you
• Help and repairs might take longer than they would in the UK
• You’ll usually need to pay for any parts your vehicle needs
• Tell the RAC about any accessibility needs when you contact them

If you break down or have an accident on a motorway, use the emergency telephone before contacting the RAC.

The support available will depend on your situation and what’s available locally.

If you use a WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle or adaptations

If you rely on a WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle or adaptations, there are a few extra things to think about before you travel.

Specialist repairs can take longer outside the UK. This depends on whether specialist repairers and parts are available locally.

Adapted hire vehicles are not available outside the UK. Accessible travel and accommodation will depend on what’s available locally, so they cannot be guaranteed. This may result in delays to your journey while suitable alternative travel or accommodation is arranged.

If you need help while you’re away, tell the RAC about your accessibility needs as soon as you contact them.

Taking a scooter or powered wheelchair abroad

You can take your product abroad for up to 30 days in total within a 12-month period.

You will not be covered for legal expenses and breakdowns while you're abroad.