The invention relates to an exterior vision unit for a vehicle. The unit includes a base for attachment to the vehicle and a swiveling housing mounted at the base which can be swiveled at least between a park position, a work position, and an extreme overfold position. The housing includes a camera unit with a lens. The exterior viewing unit includes an adjustable cover for temporarily covering the lens. The cover is adjustable between a cover position and a release position. It also includes an adjustment device for adjusting the cover between its cover position and release position or vice versa. The adjustment device is fitted with an adjusting device connected to the cover in such a way that the cover adjusts when the adjusting device is moved. The adjustment device further includes an initial movable gripping device designed for temporary engagement with the adjusting device linked to the cover.