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Car Green Card: Travel Rules

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A motor insurance certificate is essential for proving your car is insured, especially when driving abroad with a Green Card. Credit : kamitana, Shutterstock

If you’re planning a road trip outside Spain, whether it’s a quick hop to France or a longer adventure across Europe and beyond, there’s one document you absolutely mustn’t leave home without: the Green Card.

Officially called the International Motor Insurance Certificate, the Green Card proves that your vehicle has the mandatory third-party liability insurance that’s required in many foreign countries.

But what does it really do, who needs it, and how can you get your hands on one before setting off? Here’s your need-to-know guide, written with travellers and expats in mind.

Green card for cars: What it is and why you need it when driving abroad

The Green Card is much more than a piece of paper, it’s your proof to foreign police and authorities that your car insurance is valid if you’re stopped or, heaven forbid, involved in a bump or scrape abroad. Think of it as your insurance passport for your car, showing you’re legal to drive in participating countries.

  • It helps you avoid fines and having your car impounded if police ask for proof of insurance.
  • It makes accident claims much easier because it shows which insurer covers you and links you to an international system.
  • It’s legally required in many non-EU countries, as well as some inside the EU, especially since Brexit.

How to apply for your car green card online: Fast and easy steps

Sorting out your Green Card these days is easy and mostly digital. Here’s how most Spanish insurers handle it:

  1. Log in to your insurer’s website. Whether you’re with Mapfre, Allianz, AXA, Línea Directa or any other provider, you’ll usually find a customer area or paperwork section.
  2. Look for ‘Green Card’ or ‘International Insurance Certificate’. It’s often under ‘documents’, ‘travel’, or ‘policy management’.
  3. Fill in the online form. You’ll need your policy details, car registration, and the dates/countries you’ll visit.
  4. Submit and download. In most cases, your Green Card will arrive instantly as a PDF, ready to print. Some insurers still post a hard copy if you prefer.

Pro tip: Request it at least a week before you travel, just in case your insurer needs extra processing time.

Where do you need a green card?

It’s required in a long list of countries, including:
Albania, Andorra, Bosnia, Georgia, Israel, Kosovo, Morocco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and more. It’s also advisable (and sometimes demanded) when driving in EU countries with non-Spanish plates, or if your insurer recommends it for France, Italy, or Portugal.

Always double-check your destinations before you travel, as rules can change and some border guards are stricter than others.

How long is your car green card valid? Avoid surprises on the road

Your Green Card’s validity depends on the dates you provide when you request it—anything from a single day to a few months, though three months is the typical maximum. The start and end dates will be printed right on the card.

If you plan to stay abroad longer than expected, you’ll need to apply for an extension or a new Green Card before your current one expires. If it lapses while you’re away, you could face fines or have your vehicle immobilised.

Green card number explained: How to find and use your insurance code

Every Green Card carries a unique reference number, linking it to your car, your insurance policy and your insurer. You’ll find it at the top or in a prominent spot on the document, alongside your vehicle details and the list of covered countries.

This code is vital—it’s how police and insurance companies verify your insurance is real and current, and it’s essential if you need to make a claim after an accident abroad.

Final advice: Play it safe and stay legal

  • Request your Green Card in advance—don’t leave it until the last minute.
  • Print it out and keep it in your glove box. Many countries won’t accept a digital version.
  • Double-check the countries you’ll be visiting. Some may have extra requirements or only accept original documents.
  • Keep your insurance policy number and emergency contact details handy.

Happy travels and safe driving wherever your adventures take you!

Stay tuned with Euro Weekly News for more news about motoring

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€17 Million And No Winners: EuroMillions

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Tonight’s EuroMillions draw has concluded without a jackpot winner, meaning the top prize of €17 million will roll over to next Tuesday’s draw, where it is expected to exceed €26 million.

The winning numbers of this Friday’s 20th June draw were the following nº: 05, 08, 24, 37, 47, with the Lucky Stars being 03 and 09.

While no participant matched all five numbers and both Lucky Stars required to claim the jackpot, several participants did walk away with substantial prizes. Notably, one winning lottery ticket in Spain matched five numbers and one Lucky Star, earning the second-tier prize of approximately €172,609.

In addition, Spain’s exclusive raffle “El Millón” saw one lucky ticket holder win €1 million with the code QKV94144.

This follows Tuesday’s historic draw in which a single ticket purchased in Ireland scooped the record-breaking €250 million jackpot, resetting the prize pool for tonight’s game.

The EuroMillions draw continues to attract millions of hopefuls across Europe, and anticipation is already building for next week’s draw, which offers another chance at a life-changing sum.

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Rafael Nadal Crowned Marquis By King Felipe VI

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Spanish tennis icon Rafael Nadal, newly named Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca by King Felipe VI. Credit : Facebook – Rafa Nadal

It’s not every day a tennis legend trades his headband for a marquis’s crown, but that’s exactly what’s just happened in Spain. For the first time since he took the throne eleven years ago, King Felipe VI has dusted off one of the monarchy’s oldest traditions—handing out new noble titles. And leading the pack? None other than Rafael Nadal, the pride of Mallorca and one of the greatest athletes Spain has ever produced.

You heard right: the man who made Roland-Garros his second home is now officially the Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca. The announcement came as part of a special royal honours list released on June 19, celebrating the king’s anniversary with a bang. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to get knighted in Spain these days, apparently, being a global sports icon and a top-notch ambassador for your homeland does the trick.

From the tennis court to nobility: Nadal’s newest win

Rafa Nadal might be used to holding up trophies, but now he’s got something even rarer—a title no one else has ever had. The Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca is a brand-new honour, tailor-made for the tennis star, and it’s named after the beautiful part of the Balearic Islands where he grew up. Not a bad way to mark your retirement, is it?

Felipe VI praised Nadal—and the five other honourees, as ‘examples of excellence’ who make Spain proud. It’s a big statement and a big gesture, but anyone who’s seen Nadal play or met him off-court knows he’s the real deal: humble, passionate, and always flying the Spanish flag.

There’s another bonus, too: Nadal gets to create his own coat of arms, and when he’s no longer around, the title passes to his eldest son, Rafael Junior. Yes, the legacy is set in stone—or maybe in marble.

A Royal connection: Nadal and the spanish monarchy

If you follow Spanish celebrity circles, you’ll know that Rafa and the royals go way back. It was King Juan Carlos I who first spotted his talent, and over the years, Nadal’s become a familiar face at royal gatherings and even private family holidays in the Balearics. It’s a friendship built on mutual respect—and probably a bit of healthy competition at the dinner table!

Who else made the list? A mix of icons

Nadal isn’t the only new marquis in town. The honours list also included Jaime Alfonsín, who’s been by the king’s side for years as his private secretary (he’s now also a Grandee of Spain, which is as fancy as it sounds); Luz Casal, the iconic singer; Carlos López Otín, a pioneering scientist; Teresa Perales, the paralympic swimming superstar; and Cristina García Rodero, an award-winning photographer.

It’s a who’s-who of Spanish talent, and each one represents the modern face of Spanish excellence—arts, science, public service, and, of course, sport.

What’s it like to be a Marquis in 2025?

So, what does a marquis actually do these days? Don’t expect Nadal to start wearing a feathered hat or riding a white horse through the streets of Manacor. Modern Spanish nobility is much more about setting an example than throwing fancy balls. These new titles are a nod to people who represent the very best of Spain—on the world stage, in their communities, and in the stories they tell about the country.

It’s a far cry from the old days of kings and castles, but it’s a tradition that still means a lot to Spaniards—and gives the rest of us something to talk about over coffee.

What’s next for Rafael Nadal as Spain’s new marquis?

With his new marquis title, Rafael Nadal is starting a new chapter, and you can bet he’ll take it just as seriously as his tennis. For now, he hasn’t made a fuss about it on social media, but if you’re anywhere near Mallorca, don’t be surprised if you see a little more spring in his step.

One thing’s for sure: whether he’s holding a racket or a royal decree, Nadal remains a symbol of Spanish pride and resilience. As for King Felipe, this new batch of marquises sets a precedent—honouring the people who help put Spain on the map for all the right reasons.

Stay tuned with Euro Weekly News for more celebrity news

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Many Fall Ill At Ascot This Past Week

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The grandiosity of the Royal Ascot has been a tricky one this week due to the extreme heat, as dozens of racegoers were treated for heat-related issues amid soaring temperatures. On Wednesday’s Ladies’ Day alone, at least 42 people required medical attention on-site, with one individual having to hospitalised with suspected heatstroke, then again if we mix sun and alcohol we can expect no good to come from it! 

The prestigious five-day racing event, renowned for its elegance, fashion, and royal appearances, was met with a heatwave sweeping southern England. Temperatures climbed to nearly 30°C, yes, those of us in Spain may laugh but this left spectators sweltering in their formal attire. Emergency services and medical tents remained busy, treating symptoms ranging from dizziness and dehydration to full-blown heat exhaustion.

In response, organisers deployed extra misting fans, increased access to free drinking water, and installed shaded rest areas across the grounds. Officials issued repeated announcements encouraging people to drink plenty of fluids (and by that I don’t mean a good old glass of bubbly) and sun protection. Despite the conditions, more than 40,000 guests attended Wednesday’s proceedings.

The UK Health Security Agency issued an amber heat-health alert during the week, warning of risks to vulnerable individuals, particularly young and the elderly

Racing Carries On

Despite the challenging heat, the horse races have continued uninterrupted.  Of course they would, why would running at a flat out gallop in 30º heat affect the horse? Trainers and veterinarians remained on high alert, but emphasised that the thoroughbreds were coping well with the conditions and that they couldn’t just stop the races especially as the bets had already been placed, and as you all well know, money before animal welfare!  (I might have thrown that last bit in). 

Race officials took proactive steps to protect the horses, including installing mobile misting units, providing over 3,000 litres of iced water, and watering the track overnight to maintain “Good to Firm” going, because if anything is going to bring a horse down it would just be the condition of the track and not the intense heat.

Leading trainers, including those from Aidan O’Brien’s stables, said horses are generally well-conditioned and able to tolerate the heat, provided post-race cooling measures are in place. Then again he’s not a horse so how would he know?

Thankfully, Thursday’s Gold Cup went ahead without incident, with Godolphin’s Trawlerman claiming victory in a record time of 4:15.02.

Royal Ascot, a staple of the British summer social calendar, may now be forced to reconsider its approach to climate extremes. While the spectacle and racing have endured, the week has underscored the growing need for preparedness as high temperatures become more frequent. Hopefully in these preparations they will also reconsider the hours in which the races are held avoiding the hottest hours of the day so that the horses may be a little more comfortable. 

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