The Western Balkans is one of Europe's great road trip regions — Croatia's Dalmatian coast, Montenegro's Bay of Kotor, Albania's Riviera, and the mountain roads connecting them. But crossing borders in a rental car requires the right paperwork, and the most commonly misunderstood document is the Green Card. Here is exactly what it is, what it covers, and how to get it sorted before you go.
What Is the Green Card?
The Green Card (officially the International Motor Insurance Certificate) is a standardised document that proves your vehicle has at least the minimum third-party liability insurance required to drive in the countries listed on it. It is issued by the rental company's insurer and travels with the car.
It gets its name from the fact that it was historically printed on green paper — though modern versions are often white. What matters is the content: a list of countries the coverage applies to, the vehicle details, and the rental period.
Importantly: no separate IMIC (International Motor Insurance Card) is required for the countries covered here. The Green Card alone is sufficient documentation at every border crossing.
Which Countries Need It?
Croatia is a full EU member and part of the Motor Insurance Directive — no Green Card is needed within the EU. However, Montenegro and Albania sit outside the EU, and both require Green Card coverage for foreign-registered vehicles.
A common misconception is that Albania requires special or separate insurance. It does not. Albania is a full member of the Green Card system, and a standard Green Card issued by M.A.C.K. covers you there. Border officers will check it — make sure you have it in the car.
What Does It Cost?
With M.A.C.K. Rent a Car, Green Card insurance for cross-border travel in the Balkans starts from €38 per rental. This is a single fee that covers all permitted countries for the duration of your rental — you do not pay per country.
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One fee, all permitted countries A single Green Card fee of from €38 covers Montenegro and Albania (or whichever combination you're travelling through). You don't pay separately for each country border.
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Tell us your route when booking Specify which countries you plan to visit. We'll prepare the correct Green Card before pickup — you cannot add it on the road.
How It Works at Pickup
When you collect your car, the Green Card is handed to you as part of your rental documents. It is a physical paper document — keep it in the car for the entire rental. You will need to show it at the border crossing into Montenegro or Albania alongside the vehicle registration document.
- The Green Card lists the vehicle registration, rental company, coverage period, and permitted countries.
- Border officers in both Montenegro and Albania check it routinely — do not assume they won't.
- Keep it in the glove box with the vehicle registration. Do not leave it at your accommodation.
- If you lose it mid-trip, contact M.A.C.K. immediately — a replacement document will need to be arranged.
What Happens at the Border
The most common cross-border crossings for M.A.C.K. customers are:
- Debeli Brijeg (Croatia → Montenegro): the main coastal crossing on the road south from Dubrovnik. Usually 15–45 minutes in summer, longer in peak July/August.
- Sukobin (Montenegro → Albania): the main southern crossing near Ulcinj. Generally quick outside peak summer weekends.
- Muriqan/Han i Hotit (Montenegro → Albania, northern route): used for routes between Shkodër and the Albanian north.
At each crossing you will present: passport, vehicle registration, and Green Card. The process is routine. Having documents ready before you reach the booth speeds things up.