Pets on Tour

Safety, Etiquette, and Top Spots

Ask any road-tripper what makes life on the road truly complete, and many will point straight down to the floorboards: right beside the driver's seat, curled up on a dog bed or gazing out the window at the passing scenery, is their four-legged co-pilot.

Touring the UK and Europe with a dog is an incredible adventure. There is nothing quite like watching your hound sprint across a remote Scottish beach or snooze by your feet in a cosy country pub after a long hike. However, motorhoming with pets also requires a bit of extra planning.

From navigating border paperwork to keeping your cool during summer heatwaves, here is your ultimate guide to dog-friendly motorhome travel.

1. Sorting the Paperwork: Navigating Pet Travel Documentation

If your motorhome adventures involve crossing the Channel into Europe, getting your pet's paperwork sorted is step number one. Post-Brexit regulations mean that standard UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid for travel from Great Britain to the EU.

• The Animal Health Certificate (AHC): For every trip to the EU, you will need a single-use Animal Health Certificate issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV).

• The Golden Timelines: Your dog must be microchipped and have a valid, up-to-date rabies vaccination before the AHC is issued. Remember the crucial 21-day waiting period after a fresh rabies jab before you can legally cross the border. Furthermore, the AHC itself must be issued within 10 days of entering the EU.

• Bringing a dog, cat or ferret back to Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales) from an EU country, the key timings are:

  • Rabies vaccination: The pet must be microchipped before the rabies vaccination. For a first rabies vaccination, you must wait at least 21 full days before entering Great Britain. The day of vaccination counts as day 0, so effectively you can travel on day 22.
  • Rabies booster: If the previous rabies vaccination is still valid and there has been no lapse in the vaccination schedule, you don't normally need to wait another 21 days after a booster.
  • Tapeworm, dogs only: Treatment must be administered between 24 and 120 hours (1–5 days) before your scheduled arrival in Great Britain. So, for example, if your ferry arrives at 8pm on Friday, the treatment must be given after 8pm on Sunday and no later than 8pm on Thursday.
  • Cats and ferrets: There is no UK tapeworm-treatment requirement for them.
  • Exception for dogs: Tapeworm treatment isn't required when travelling directly to Great Britain from Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway.

  So, if you're returning from France/Spain/Portugal/etc. with a dog, think 21 days for a new rabies vaccination, then tapeworm treatment within the final 24–120 hours before arrival.

2. Keeping Cool: Beating the Heat Inside the Van

Motorhomes and campervans can quickly turn into heat traps during warm summer days. Because dogs cannot regulate their body temperature efficiently through sweating, keeping your rig cool is a massive safety priority.

• Smart Parking and Ventilation: Always park in the shade whenever possible, orienting your motorhome to catch cross-breezes. Keep roof vents cracked open with Maxxair fans running to draw hot air out, and use external silver thermal screens on your cab windows to block out solar glare before it hits the glass.

• On-Board Cooling Tech: Invest in cooling mats (which activate with pressure rather than freezing), ensure fresh drinking water is accessible at all times in heavy, non-tip bowls, and never leave your dog unattended in a parked vehicle if temperatures are rising.

• Travel Timing: On scorching summer days, adjust your driving schedule. Knock out your big driving miles early in the morning while it’s cool, and settle into a shady campsite or beach spot by midday.

3. Managing Muddy Paws in Compact Living Spaces

Let's face it: the best walks usually involve mud, sand, puddles, or wet grass. Managing a soggy dog inside a compact motorhome takes a bit of strategy to keep your living space civilised.

• Set Up an Outdoor "Mud Room": Keep a dedicated storage box in your motorhome’s garage or rear locker packed with microfibre dog towels, a portable pressure washer (like a portable dog shower or low-pressure spray bottle), and a pack of pet-friendly wet wipes. Wipe paws before your dog sets foot on your motorhome upholstery. A dog towelling bag is also a perfect way to dry your dog.

• Designated Sleeping Zones: Train your dog to have a specific spot—such as a washable crate, a designated mat by the door, or their own bed—where they go to dry off.

• Easy-Clean Flooring: If you are spec'ing or modifying a van, durable vinyl flooring paired with a washable runner mat makes sweeping up trapped sand and dried mud a breeze at the end of the day.

4. Finding Dog-Welcoming Beaches, Trails, and Pubs

One of the greatest joys of motorhoming is discovering places that warmly welcome pets, but local rules vary wildly between the UK and continental Europe.

• Navigating Beach Restrictions: In the UK and parts of France and Spain, many popular tourist beaches enforce seasonal dog bans from May to September. Always look out for local signage, but don't despair, apps like The Beach Guide or crowdsourced maps often highlight wild, rugged coves where dogs are welcome year-round.

• The European Pub & Restaurant Culture: You might be surprised to learn that dogs are often more widely welcomed inside continental European cafes, restaurants, and shops than they are back home in the UK, provided they are well-behaved. In France and Italy, it is completely normal to see a sleepy hound curled up under a bistro table.

• Pub Stops with Space: When touring the UK, country pubs with large beer gardens and expansive car parks (like the ones we feature in our heritage itineraries!) are fantastic pit-stops where your dog can stretch their legs and lap up a bowl of fresh water offered by friendly staff.

💡 Top Tip for Traveling with a Canine Co-Pilot

Always mark your dog's tag with your mobile phone number (including the international +44 prefix if you are heading abroad) rather than a landline, and ensure your home address details are fully up to date. Pack a dedicated doggy first-aid kit containing tick removers, paw balm for rough terrain, and any regular medications they might need.

These rules change frequently, so always check with your own Vet before travel

Do you travel with a dog in your motorhome? What are your top tips for keeping your four-legged friend happy on the road? Let us know in the comments below or share your photos in our Motorhome Touring Facebook groups!

All links in this blog are Amazon Affiliate Links, You will not pay extra, but a very small commission goes to support Motorhome Touring's Social Media Groups. If you still wish to make a small donation, see the PayPal or Buy Me A Coffee links in my Linktree Bio 

Thank you so much!

If you’re looking for more tips, honest gear reviews, or just a place to share your latest trip photos, come and join the conversation! You can catch me over on my YouTube channel Johnny Burr, or join one of our active Facebook groups, Motorhome Touring Scotland and Motorhome Touring The UK andEurope. We’ve also got a buzzing community over on our Motorhome Touring Discord server, where we share real-time updates and advice. And of course, keep a listen out for my content on Caravan Radio. Let’s get out there and enjoy the journey together!

Linktree⬅️ https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

 

The Rise of Sub-6-Metre Motorhomes

Why Compact Vans Are Winning in Europe

For years, the trend in motorhome touring seemed to follow a "bigger is better" philosophy. Walk around any campsite or aire, and you’ll see massive, twin-axle liners stretching well past 7 or 8 metres.

However, a massive shift is underway across the UK and continental Europe. More and more road-trippers are deliberately downsizing, trading in their cumbersome giants for nimble, sub-6-metre motorhomes and campervans. Far from being a sacrifice, today's compact rigs prove that good things genuinely do come in small packages.

Here is why sub-6-metre motorhomes are winning over European travelers, and how clever modern design is making them more comfortable than ever.

1. The Magic 6-Metre Mark: Why Size Matters on the Road

Six metres is widely considered the holy grail measurement in European touring. Drop under that threshold, and a motorhome transforms from a cumbersome commercial-sized vehicle into an agile road-trip companion.

• Conquering Alpine Passes and Narrow Lanes: If you’ve ever tried navigating a 7.5-metre coachbuilt down a winding Cornish coastal lane, through a medieval French village with protruding stone walls, or up a tight Italian mountain hairpin, you know the white-knuckle stress it causes. Sub-6-metre rigs give you the confidence to squeeze down narrow roads without constantly checking your rear overhang.

• Standard Parking Space Freedom: In many European towns and coastal tourist hotspots, longer motorhomes are barred from standard car parks or forced to buy multiple tickets. A sub-6-metre van will fit neatly into a standard supermarket or municipal parking bay lengthways, allowing you to pop into town for groceries or sightseeing without frantically hunting for oversized parking spaces.

2. Clever Engineering: How Space-Saving Layouts Punch Above Their Weight

The primary hesitation people have about downsizing is the fear of feeling cramped. Fortunately, modern manufacturers have completely revolutionized what a sub-6-metre floor plan can achieve.

• The Power of Drop-Down Beds: Gone are the days when a small motorhome meant sacrificing comfortable sleeping arrangements. Many modern low-profile sub-6-metre models feature electric drop-down beds that tuck flush into the ceiling during the day and lower effortlessly at night over a spacious front dinette. This leaves the daytime living area open, airy, and entirely uncompromised.

• Multi-Functional and Open-Plan Lounges: Innovative designs, such as sliding furniture, rotating cab seats, and multi-position tables, allow manufacturers to pack full four-berth travel capability, well-equipped kitchens, and surprisingly generous lounge spaces into a sub-6-metre footprint.

• Clever Washrooms: Space-efficient wet rooms with swing-walls or folding basins mean you don’t have to compromise on personal hygiene facilities just because you're driving a smaller vehicle.

3. Real-World Savings: Ferries, Fuel, and Tolls

Choosing a compact van isn't just about driving ease; it’s also remarkably kind to your travel kitty:

• Cheaper Cross-Channel Tariffs: Ferry operators and the Eurotunnel price their tickets heavily based on vehicle length. Crossing that 6-metre line often bumps you up into a significantly more expensive pricing tier. Keeping under 6 metres keeps your channel-crossing costs as low as possible.

• Better Fuel Economy: Lighter, shorter vehicles naturally drag less weight and experience less wind resistance. Over a multi-month European tour, the savings on diesel add up considerably.

• Lower Weight Penalties: Many sub-6-metre vans easily stay under the standard 3,500kg Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) limit while still retaining a healthy payload, meaning standard driving licences (including UK post-1997 ones) face zero restrictions.

Is It Time to Downsize Your Touring Style?

If you find yourself constantly stressing over narrow approach roads, bypassing charming villages because you won't fit, or paying a premium for every ferry crossing, a sub-6-metre motorhome might just be the ultimate upgrade in disguise.

Have you ever toured in a compact camper or motorhome, or are you tempted to downsize your rig for your next European adventure? Let us know in the comments below or over in our Motorhome Touring Facebook groups!

All links in this blog are Amazon Affiliate Links, You will not pay extra, but a very small commission goes to support Motorhome Touring's Social Media Groups. If you still wish to make a small donation, see the PayPal or Buy Me A Coffee links in my Linktree Bio 

Thank you so much!

If you’re looking for more tips, honest gear reviews, or just a place to share your latest trip photos, come and join the conversation! You can catch me over on my YouTube channel Johnny Burr, or join one of our active Facebook groups, Motorhome Touring Scotland and Motorhome Touring The UK andEurope. We’ve also got a buzzing community over on our Motorhome Touring Discord server, where we share real-time updates and advice. And of course, keep an eye and an ear out for my content on Caravan Radio. Let’s get out there and enjoy the journey together!

Linktree⬅️ https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

 

The Spare Tyre Debate: To Carry, or Not to Carry?

Whilst chatting to folk about touring Europe and the UK the subject of spare tyres came up, specifically, whether we should actually be carrying them, especially when travelling outside of the UK.

If your motorhome doesn’t have a spare wheel, don’t panic. It is not unusual. In fact, many modern motorhomes don’t come with a spare wheel at all when they leave the factory. Manufacturers often omit them to save weight (which helps with your all-important payload allowance), keep costs down, and reclaim space that would otherwise be taken up by the mounting mechanism. Instead, you usually get a tyre repair kit, a bottle of sealant (the infamous “gunk”) and a small compressor.

Which is all very well… but is that really what you want to be relying on if you get a puncture halfway up a mountain in France?

The Argument FOR Carrying a Spare

The obvious advantage is that a proper spare can get you moving again after damage that a repair kit simply can’t fix. Tyre sealant is great for small tread punctures, but it can’t magically repair a shredded tyre, a damaged sidewall, or a blowout. If you are somewhere remote, or somewhere your exact size or specification of tyre isn’t readily available, having a spare with you could save a lot of time and hassle.

The Realities (The "But...")

A spare wheel isn’t always the perfect solution it’s cracked up to be:

• The Weight Penalty: Motorhomes are often right at their maximum weight limit. A spare wheel and tyre can easily take a noticeable chunk out of your remaining payload.

• Storage Struggles: You have to find somewhere to put it. Many modern motorhomes don't have an under-chassis mount, meaning it takes up valuable space in your garage or storage lockers.

• The "Can You Change It?" Question: For most of us, the honest answer is "no." Changing a wheel on a heavy, fully laden motorhome on the side of a busy road is not only physically difficult, it can be downright dangerous. For many, a spare wheel is there for the breakdown recovery team to use, but even then, if you’re stuck on a narrow, dangerous verge, they may have to tow you to a safer location anyway.

Important Note: If you do carry a spare, make sure it’s checked and maintained regularly. It’s not just the tyre pressure that matters; you need to check the cage, the mechanism, and the tools (jack and wheel brace) to ensure they aren’t rusted solid. There’s nothing worse than having a spare you can’t get down!

What If You Don't Carry a Spare?

If you’re in the boat with the rest of us and don’t have a spare, your first step is simple: go and look at what you’ve got. Discovering that your bottle of tyre sealant expired three years ago while you’re standing beside a flat tyre is probably not going to improve your day.

I had this entire conversation with myself before I went to Sweden. Travelling so far alone made me anxious about not being prepared, and I wanted to be as ready as possible. Here is my setup to combat the risk:

1. Fit Decent Tyres I’ve used Michelin CrossClimates for years and I refuse to fit anything else. They’ve served me well in snow, muddy fields, leaves, ice, and horrendous rain. Good tyres are your first line of defence against punctures.

2. Carry a Decent 12v Tyre Inflator These aren’t just for punctures. Motorhome tyres run at relatively high pressures, so being able to check and inflate them when on a long trip is really helpful—it saves you from having to hunt down a garage that can actually accommodate a large vehicle. I recommend looking for a heavy-duty, cordless, rechargeable model so you aren't tied to the vehicle's battery or limited by cable length.

3. An In-Date Puncture Repair/Sealant Kit If your motorhome came with sealant, check the expiry date. Remember, this is a temporary fix. Make sure you know how to use it before you actually need to use it.

4. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) This is a gadget I highly recommend. A slow puncture can be almost impossible to detect in a big, heavy vehicle until it’s too late. An aftermarket TPMS has sensors that fit onto each valve and a display in the cab showing the pressure and temperature of each tyre. If one starts dropping, you can pull over and investigate before it becomes a blowout.

The Bottom Line

Even if you carry a spare, good breakdown cover is non-negotiable. Whether you have a spare wheel or a repair kit, the reality is that for most of us, the safest option when things go wrong is to call in the professionals.

Do you carry a spare? Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear how you handle this in your own setup. Stay safe and happy travels!

All links in this blog are Amazon Affiliate Links, You will not pay extra, but a very small commission goes to support Motorhome Touring's Social Media Groups. If you still wish to make a small donation, see the PayPal or Buy Me A Coffee links in my Linktree Bio 

Thank you so much!

If you’re looking for more tips, honest gear reviews, or just a place to share your latest trip photos, come and join the conversation! You can catch me over on my YouTube channel Johnny Burr, or join one of our active Facebook groups, Motorhome Touring Scotland and Motorhome Touring The UK andEurope. We’ve also got a buzzing community over on our Motorhome Touring Discord server, where we share real-time updates and advice. And of course, keep an eye and an ear out for my content on Caravan Radio. Let’s get out there and enjoy the journey together!

Linktree⬅️ https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

 

Chasing the Winter Sun

The Best European Regions for Off-Season Motorhome Touring

Let’s be honest: enduring a gloomy, grey UK winter while your motorhome sits parked up on the drive can feel downright depressing. But for a growing number of road-trippers, the colder months don’t mean hanging up the keys, they mean heading south.

Chasing the winter sun across continental Europe offers empty beaches, lower fuel and campsite costs, mild daytime temperatures, and a welcoming community of fellow off-season travelers. If you are looking to swap your winter woollies for a t-shirt by the Mediterranean or Atlantic, here are the best regions to target, along with the essential practical tips you need to prep your rig for a sun-seeking escape.

1. Spain’s Southern Coast: Andalusia & Almería 

Spain is the undisputed heavyweight champion for winter motorhoming in Europe, and the sun-soaked coast of Andalusia, stretching from Málaga down through Granada and across to Almería, is the crown jewel.

• The Vibe & Climate: With winter daytime temperatures regularly hovering between 16°C and 20°C, you can comfortably sit outside in January. Almería is famously one of the driest and sunniest spots in all of Europe, featuring striking desert landscapes juxtaposed against crystal-clear seas.

• Why It Works for Motorhomes: The region is exceptionally well-equipped for winter travellers. Towns like Almerimar, Vera, and the dramatic Cabo de Gata Natural Park offer a fantastic network of private aires, dedicated camper-stops, and coastal parking areas where long-term wintering is common and well-tolerated.

• Top Highlight: Exploring the surreal desert landscape of Tabernas (where classic spaghetti westerns were filmed) before heading down to park right by the Mediterranean shore for a sunset fish supper.

2. Portugal’s Golden Algarve & Wild Alentejo

While everyone knows the Algarve for its summer package holidays, winter reveals a completely different, deeply peaceful side of Portugal’s southern coast.

• The Vibe & Climate: Golden sandstone cliffs, dramatic Atlantic swells, and crisp, sunny days make the Algarve and the quieter northern Alentejo coast a paradise for nature lovers, surfers, and walkers.

• Why It Works for Motorhomes: Portugal has a thriving winter motorhome community. While wild camping rules have tightened up to protect fragile coastal nature reserves (like the Sudoeste Alentejano), there is a rapidly expanding network of official, low-cost municipal áreas de serviço para autocaravanas (ASA) that provide safe, legal overnight parking with all the essential services.

• Top Highlight: Taking the coastal boardwalks around Lagos and Sagres, watching surfers tackle massive Atlantic waves, and enjoying inexpensive, world-class local seafood in sleepy fishing villages.

3. The Historic Charm of Sicily, Italy

If you want to venture further south for your winter sun, take the ferry across to Sicily. It is an extraordinary winter destination that rewards the adventurous traveler.

• The Vibe & Climate: Sicily sits at the same latitude as North Africa, meaning winters are exceptionally mild, especially along the southern coast facing Malta. You’ll swap winter frosts for blooming citrus groves, ancient Greek ruins, and dramatic views of smoking Mount Etna.

• Why It Works for Motorhomes: Because summer tourism dominates, winter brings a peaceful lull. Many campsites and agricultural stops (via networks similar to France Passion) stay open year-round to welcome long-stay travelers, often offering deeply discounted monthly rates.

• Top Highlight: Exploring the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento without the scorching summer heat or the massive tourist crowds, followed by a warm winter afternoon sipping espresso in a sunlit Sicilian piazza.

💡 Essential Practical Tips for Winter Sun Chasers

Heading south for the winter requires a bit more preparation than a two-week summer holiday. Keep these technical essentials in mind:

1. Master Your Gas Situation Abroad

Standard UK propane/butane bottles cannot be easily refilled at continental petrol stations due to differing connector nozzles.

• The Solution: If you are travelling for months at a time, consider installing a refillable gas system (like Gaslow or Safefill) with European filler adapters (ACME, Dish, and Bayonet). Alternatively, carry a set of clip-on country-specific adapters so you can exchange or fill local gas bottles if you run low. Remember that propane vaporizes better in colder weather than butane, making it the safer choice for chilly winter nights in the mountains.

2. Finding Open Sites and Managing Off-Season Hours

While commercial campsites on the Mediterranean coast often stay open year-round to cater to long-term winter guests (often offering special monthly rates), many rural campsites further inland close down between November and March.

• The Fix: Rely heavily on apps like Park4Night and Campercontact to filter specifically for open winter stops, municipal aires, and farm stays. Always call ahead or check app updates before driving deep into rural areas.

3. Combatting Condensation and Staying Warm

Even in Spain or Portugal, winter nights get genuinely cold once the sun drops behind the horizon.

• Thermal Management: Invest in external thermal windscreen covers to stop frost and severe condensation buildup on your cab windows. Keep your blown-air heating system serviced, and ensure you have a reliable lithium battery or solar setup to run your 12V heating fan through long winter nights when solar input is lower.

Have you ever chased the winter sun in your motorhome, or is a long-term escape to Spain or Portugal sitting at the top of your bucket list? Let us know your favorite winter spots in the comments below!

All links in this blog are Amazon Affiliate Links, You will not pay extra, but a very small commission goes to support Motorhome Touring's Social Media Groups.

If you’re looking for more tips, honest gear reviews, or just a place to share your latest trip photos, come and join the conversation! You can catch me over on my YouTube channel Johnny Burr, or join one of our active Facebook groups, Motorhome Touring Scotland and Motorhome Touring The UK andEurope. We’ve also got a buzzing community over on our Motorhome Touring Discord server, where we share real-time updates and advice. And of course, keep an eye and an ear out for my content on Caravan Radio. Let’s get out there and enjoy the journey together!

Linktree⬅️ https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

 

France Passion & Motorhome Farm Stays

How to Camp for Free with Local Artisans

If you’ve spent any time touring France, you know the rhythm: arrive at a campsite, pay your fee, and tuck yourself into a numbered pitch between other motorhomes. It’s convenient, sure, but is it the authentic French adventure you were dreaming of?

If you want to trade crowded campsites for sunset views over a vineyard, a quiet spot in an orchard, or a parking space beside a traditional goat farm, it’s time to discover France Passion. It is one of the motorhoming community’s best-kept secrets, and it offers a way to explore the heart of rural France while staying absolutely free of charge.

What is France Passion?

France Passion isn’t a commercial campground; it’s a network of friendly hosts, vineyard owners, farmers, and artisans, who invite self-contained motorhomers to stay on their land for up to 24 hours.

The concept is simple and built on mutual respect:

1. You get a free, safe, and beautiful place to park.

2. The host gets to share their passion and local produce with travelers.

There are over 2,000 "invitation" locations across France. Instead of paying for a pitch, you are essentially a guest of the farm. In return, you get an unparalleled look at the local way of life, far from the noise of motorway service stations or the constraints of packed tourist parks.

How It Works: The "Membership" System

France Passion

France Passion operates on an annual membership basis. When you join, you receive:

• The France Passion Guide: A massive, printed directory (updated annually) that lists every participating host, including maps, GPS coordinates, vehicle access notes, and photos of the parking areas.

• The Annual Membership Sticker: A sticker to display on your windscreen, which acts as your "passport" when arriving at a host’s property.

Because the system relies on physical guides and a clear identification sticker, it helps hosts instantly recognize legitimate members, keeping the network secure and exclusive to those who understand the "rules of the house."

The "Golden Rules" of the Farm Stay

France Passion is not a free-for-all; it is a community built on etiquette. To keep these wonderful spots open and welcoming, every motorhomer must follow a few simple principles:

1. You Must Be Self-Contained

This is non-negotiable. Because you are parking on a farm or in a vineyard, there are no service pillars, electric hook-ups, or public toilets. You must have your own onboard water supply, toilet, and waste storage. If you don't have these, you cannot participate.

2. The "Host-First" Etiquette

While the overnight stay is free, remember that you are parking on private property.

• Support the Business: The implied (and highly encouraged) expectation is that you will purchase some local produce from your host. Whether it’s a bottle of wine from a vineyard, a wheel of local cheese, or a basket of fresh seasonal fruit, buying a little something is the best way to say "thank you" and support the rural economy.

• Arrival Times: Most hosts prefer you to arrive during their business hours (usually afternoon) so they can greet you and show you where to park safely. Don't pull up at midnight and expect a spot!

3. Leave No Trace

Treat the land with more respect than you would a public campsite. Keep your site tidy, dispose of all your own waste properly when you leave, and keep noise to a minimum. You are a guest in someone’s home and workplace, act like one.

4. Limited Stays

France Passion is designed for transit, not for setting up camp for a week. The standard stay is 24 hours. If you want to explore a region for longer, move on to the next host or a nearby municipal campsite after your day is up.

Why It’s the Ultimate Way to Tour

Beyond the cost savings, France Passion transforms the quality of your trip.

• Authenticity: You aren't just passing through France; you're meeting the people who make its world-famous wine, cheese, and honey.

• Space & Quiet: Most stops accommodate only a handful of vehicles at a time, meaning you’ll rarely be packed in like sardines.

• Peace of Mind: Parking in a secured farm courtyard or a vineyard is often much safer and quieter than a roadside layby.

Ready to try it? If you are planning a trip to France this year, ordering your France Passion guide is one of the best investments you can make. It opens up thousands of "rooms with a view" that you simply won't find on any other booking app.

https://www.france-passion.com/en/

https://www.france-passion.com/en/motorhomers/membership/

Have you ever stayed at a France Passion location? Which region in France gave you the warmest welcome? Let us know in the comments or head over to our Facebook groups to share your favorite farm finds!

If you’re looking for more tips, honest gear reviews, or just a place to share your latest trip photos, come and join the conversation! You can catch me over on my YouTube channel Johnny Burr, or join one of our active Facebook groups, Motorhome Touring Scotland and Motorhome Touring The UK andEurope. We’ve also got a buzzing community over on our Motorhome Touring Discord server, where we share real-time updates and advice. And of course, keep an eye and an ear out for my content on Caravan Radio. Let’s get out there and enjoy the journey together!

Linktree⬅️ https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

ETIAS, EES, and Channel Crossings

 

ETIAS, EES, and Channel Crossings: What Motorhomers Need to Know (An Update from Heathrow!)

Disclaimer: Border procedures and rollout schedules can shift. Always check official operator guidance (Eurotunnel/Getlink or your ferry provider) and the EU EES portal before setting off.

I’m currently flying out of the UK at Heathrow Airport for a couple of days, But before I head through security and board my flight, I wanted to take a quick moment to share a massive Europe travel update with you all.

If you’re planning a trip to Europe over the coming months, especially if you're getting ready to hitch up the motorhome and head across the Channel, there’s been another major shift regarding ETIAS, the "not a visa but kinda like a visa" travel authorisation British passport holders will eventually need.

The best news right now? For the next few months, it’s one less piece of paperwork to worry about.

The Latest on ETIAS: Still Waiting in the Wings

Until recently, official EU guidance suggested that ETIAS would launch in the final quarter of 2026. As of mid-August 2026, that firm launch date has disappeared.

• No confirmed launch date: There is currently no fixed date for ETIAS to go live. The EU has stated they will announce the official start several months in advance.

• Do NOT apply yet: If you are heading to Europe soon, you cannot apply for an ETIAS, and you don’t need one. Please keep an eye out and steer clear of any third-party scam sites trying to charge you for an application right now!

Deep Dive: What’s Happening at Le Tunnel and the Ferries Right Now?

I know there is a ton of anxiety out there about how the new EES (Entry/Exit System) is going to affect our Channel crossings. Because we travel in larger vehicles—whether you're driving a self-built camper, a coachbuilt motorhome, or towing a caravan—port logistics are always front of mind.

Here is the ground reality for Le Tunnel (Eurotunnel / Le Shuttle) and ferry ports like Dover right now:

1. Full Biometric Car and Motorhome Checks Are Delayed (For Now!)

While the EU’s EES framework officially went live as a broader system in April 2026, full biometric kiosk checks for cars, motorhomes, and passenger vehicles at Dover and Eurotunnel have been delayed until after the summer 2026 peak.

Why? Both UK and French authorities, along with port operators like Getlink (Eurotunnel), pushed back the full rollout due to ongoing software stability concerns on the EU back-end and a desire to avoid gridlock during peak holiday traffic.

2. What You’ll Experience at Check-In Today

• For Passenger Vehicles: Right now, if you are driving a car or motorhome through Dover or Eurotunnel, you are generally going through a streamlined passport check process rather than hopping out to use a biometric kiosk for four fingerprints and a facial scan. French border police are creating digital entry files on the backend without forcing every traveler through the intensive kiosk queues right this second.

• For Commercial Traffic: Keep in mind that coaches and freight lorries have been rolling through full EES checks since late last year, but passenger cars and motorhomes have been given a temporary buffer through the summer rush.

• The Traffic Management Reality: Even with the full biometric kiosk phase delayed for passenger vehicles, traffic management systems like Operation Brock on the M20 have been running continuously to handle overall holiday surges. If you're driving down to Kent, always check the traffic updates before you roll.

3. What to Expect When Full Biometric Checks Eventually Launch

Don't get too comfortable, this delay isn’t a cancellation. Once the software is fully stable and the summer peak wraps up, full biometric processing will roll out for passenger vehicles at Le Tunnel and ferry terminals.

When that happens, here is what motorhomers should prepare for:

• First-Time Registration: Your very first crossing under the active system will require you to register your biometrics, providing a facial image and four fingerprint scans. For motorhomes and cars, operators have built dedicated pre-registration zones (like the massive new covered areas at Folkestone and Coquelles) to keep things moving.

• Processing Times: Expect your first crossing to take a few extra minutes per person while your digital file is created.

• Subsequent Crossings: Once your data is in the system, future trips through Le Tunnel or the ferries will be much faster because the system will only need a quick facial scan to match your passport.

ETIAS vs. EES: Quick Refresher

It’s easy to mix these two up, so let's keep them straight:

• EES (Entry/Exit System): The digital border tracking system replacing manual passport stamps. It tracks entries and exits across the 29-country Schengen area. It is active now, but full biometric captures for passenger vehicles at Channel ports are currently paused/delayed until later this year.

• ETIAS: The upcoming travel authorisation (akin to the US ESTA) that you will need to apply and pay for before you leave home. This is delayed indefinitely and is not required right now.

And a quick reminder for all of us living that long-haul road trip life: ETIAS and EES do not change the 90-day rule. You are still strictly limited to 90 days out of any rolling 180-day period in the Schengen area.

Summary Checklist for Your Next European Trip

If you're heading across the water via ferry or Le Tunnel over the next few months:

👉 Expect standard passport checks for now, with full biometric kiosk rollouts for passenger vehicles expected later in the year.

👉 Keep an eye on Kent traffic (watch out for Operation Brock if you're heading down the M20).

👉 Do not apply or pay for an ETIAS, it isn’t live yet!

👉 Allow a sensible amount of time for your port arrival without turning up hours too early and clogging the lanes.

I’ll keep monitoring the official updates while I’m away and will drop any major changes right here and across our community groups as soon as they drop.

For now, if Europe is on your travel calendar for an autumn motorhome tour, ETIAS is one less thing to stress over, happy travels!

Reminder: Border procedures and rollout schedules can shift. Always check official operator guidance (Eurotunnel/Getlink or your ferry provider) and the EU EES portal before setting off.

If you’re looking for more tips, honest gear reviews, or just a place to share your latest trip photos, come and join the conversation! You can catch me over on my YouTube channel Johnny Burr, or join one of our active Facebook groups, Motorhome Touring Scotland and Motorhome Touring The UK andEurope. We’ve also got a buzzing community over on our Motorhome Touring Discord server, where we share real-time updates and advice. And of course, keep an eye and an ear out for my content on Caravan Radio. Let’s get out there and enjoy the journey together!

Linktree⬅️ https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr