Pet Travel from the UK to France Post-Brexit
Traveling with pets from the UK to France has become increasingly complicated since Brexit, and the situation remains unchanged as of May 2026. Here’s a summary of the latest rules and regulations:
Current Regulations
-
Animal Health Certificate (AHC):
- UK pet owners must obtain an AHC for travel, validating vaccinations (including rabies) and microchipping. This is required even if a previous EU pet passport was issued.
- AHC costs typically range from £100 to £200 and is valid for six months.
-
EU Pet Passport:
- Currently, EU pet passports issued to British residents before April 22, 2026, are not recognized for travel into the EU. Only Northern Ireland remains under the EU pet passport scheme due to special post-Brexit rules.
-
Permanent Relocation:
- If moving to France permanently, pets must be registered on the I-CAD database within seven days of arrival. An EU pet passport can then be obtained for future travel.
Future Changes
- Potential Regulation Updates by 2027: Discussions at a UK-EU summit have hinted at a future alignment of animal health regulations, which may include the reintroduction of EU-recognized pet passports.
- Database for Pets: In the coming years, it is anticipated that pets traveling from non-EU countries may need to be pre-registered on a new ‘pet traveler database.’
Transport Provider Enforcement
- Compliance enforcement may vary by transport provider. Some companies, like Brittany Ferries, have indicated that previously issued EU pet passports for British residents might still be valid, although this contradicts the European Commission’s official stance.
Conclusion
For now, UK pet owners should secure an AHC prior to travel, stay informed on regulatory changes, and confirm specifics with their transport provider. Always check the latest guidelines before planning your journey.
