If you’re a Blue Badge holder planning a trip to Europe, there’s some important information you need to know—especially in the wake of Brexit. Since leaving the EU, the UK is no longer part of the unified Blue Badge recognition scheme across Europe. And that means: your Blue Badge might not be valid abroad.
Updated: May 2025
🇪🇺 What’s Changed Since Brexit?
Before Brexit, Blue Badge holders could use their parking permits in all EU countries thanks to a mutual recognition agreement. But since the UK left the EU, this agreement is no longer in place. That’s left millions of disabled drivers and passengers in limbo.
🔍 Where Is the Blue Badge Still Recognised?
The UK government has been negotiating with individual EU countries to maintain Blue Badge recognition. However, as of the last update, many popular destinations—like France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Greece—are still undecided.
This means:
- There is no guarantee your Blue Badge will be accepted.
- You may receive a parking fine if you use your Blue Badge without checking first.
- You're advised to contact the embassy or transport authority of the country you're visiting for the latest info.
The GOV.UK page listing European countries’ Blue Badge recognition hasn’t been updated since September 2021, which makes planning travel confusing.
🧭 What Should You Do Before You Travel?
- Contact the embassy of the country you're visiting to ask about Blue Badge acceptance.
- Carry local translations of disability status or parking permits, if possible.
- Avoid assuming your Blue Badge will be accepted, especially in ‘undecided’ countries.
- Use the FIA website (the International Automobile Federation) for general guidance—though this may conflict with UK advice.
✈️ Air Travel Rights Remain Protected
The good news? If you’re travelling by air within the EU, passenger rights for disabled travellers remain unchanged. Assistance with boarding, mobility aids, and accessible travel through airports continues under UK law, mirroring the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation.
🚘 Driving in the EU: Insurance and Stickers
- Green Cards are no longer needed to prove insurance for driving in Europe.
- UK stickers are required unless your number plate already displays “UK” with a Union Flag.
-Plates that say “GB”, or include England/Scotland/Wales flags still need a UK sticker.
🏥 What About Healthcare?
- Your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is still valid until it expires.
- You can now apply for the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
o This covers chronic conditions, maternity care, and emergency treatment.
o Always double-check if your destination accepts GHIC, and buy travel insurance, especially if you have a pre-existing condition.
🧾 In Summary
- Blue Badge acceptance in Europe is no longer guaranteed.
- Always check with each country before you travel—some may still honour your badge, others won’t.
- No alternative EU-wide scheme currently exists for UK Blue Badge holders.
- Airport assistance and travel rights remain protected, and insurance rules have evolved post-Brexit.