Full list of European countries that recognise UK Blue Badges
For those with severe mobility issues planning a trip abroad, using their UK Blue Badge may be possible, depending on their destination. Some countries acknowledge the parking permit and allow tourists to use it as they would back home.
However, other nations may have slightly different regulations that need to be considered, while some do not recognise the Blue Badge at all. The Gov.uk website provides current information on European countries and their varying requirements for Blue Badge holders.
European countries that recognise UK Blue Badge
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Ireland
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Sweden
Switzerland
Even in countries that accept the Blue Badge, additional rules and regulations may apply. For instance, in Denmark and Switzerland, you'll need to have a parking disc clock to make use of parking time concessions.
Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg and Romania are all listed as 'accepting non-EU parking cards' rather than explicitly recognising a UK Blue Badge. The official government guidance states that it has 'no information' on whether a UK Blue Badge is accepted in Bulgaria.
In Lithuania and Italy, non-EU parking cards are accepted only in certain regions. In Spain, the recognition of a UK Blue Badge is determined by local administrations.
The UK Government advises checking its specific guidance and contacting the relevant local authority for detailed information if needed. Tourist centres can also provide advice on parking rules for disabled tourists.
It's also suggested to have supporting documents on hand when using your Blue Badge abroad. This could include a doctor's note or translation of your Blue Badge entitlement.
A Blue Badge permits people with physical disabilities or health conditions that affect their mobility to park in nearer or more accessible spots. In some instances, it can also allow the person to park for free or be exempt from other parking restrictions.
Obtaining a Blue Badge can cost up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland, but the permit is free in Wales. It typically lasts for three years before needing a renewal.
Certain benefits recipients can automatically receive a Blue Badge, while others will need to apply for the permit. They will need to provide proof of identity, address and eligibility,y such as prescriptions or diagnosis letters.
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Metro
7 hours ago
- Metro
The tiny but beautiful country named Europe's fastest-growing destination
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Time Out
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Ranked: the countries with the most (and least) paid time off
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Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
New posh bus service launching across Europe with seats that turn into full-on beds
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Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Europe's first night bus will travel to eight cities across the continent Credit: Remo Vettori 5 And inside, the seats lie fully flat allowing passengers to sleep Credit: Remo Vettori 5 The bus has 21 seats in total, with 18 upstairs and three on the lower deck Credit: Twiliner Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here One route will run from Zurich to Amsterdam, via Basel, Luxembourg, Brussels and Rotterdam. The second route will travel between Zurich and Barcelona, via Girona. The bus will operate several times a week for the first few months, according to Time Out, but by next year the CEO, Luca Bortolani, hopes to be running the services daily. Inside the bus, passengers will find 21 seats in total - with three on the lower deck and 18 on the upper deck. The seats on board lie fully flat allowing passengers to sleep whilst travelling. And they are even patent-pending, as they ensure safe and secure travel in every position. Every seat then also has Wi-Fi, power outlets, storage, a table for working and eating, USB chargers and a reading light, as well as a pillow and a blanket. Also on the lower deck is a changing room, toilet and snack bar. The whole experience claims it is a new "planet-friendly" way to travel. European sleeper train with private cabins And the ultimate goal for the operator is to expand to 30 destinations across Europe within the next three years. For the time being, the bus is designed for adult passengers, - though children over the age of five can travel too, as long as they are quiet. Ticket prices vary depending on starting location and destination. However, return tickets can be found as low as CHF 150 (£137.18). Admittedly the price is higher than your average bus journey, but this is because Twiliner offers a more luxury and sustainable form of travel. 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The first trip happened back in August 2023 and Adventures Overland are now looking at making the route even longer if possible. The route is inspired by the famous European Hippie Trail from the 1950s to the 1970s and offers an entire tour of the best bits of the continent. The rest of Scandinavia can then be seen with Copenhagen and Stockholm in Sweden coming up fast. A new sleeper train is also launching this summer, with stops in six European countries. Plus, another new overnight sleeper train will connect 100 European cities with private cabins and panoramic views.
