New Rules for Pet Travel to the EU
Published on 22 April 2026 – 12:50 GMT+2
Bad news for British pet owners: the loophole allowing them to bring pets to the EU using old paperwork closes today. Since Brexit, owners with EU holiday homes could travel with their pets using EU pet passports, but this is no longer allowed. Only British citizens who are EU residents or have long-stay visas can continue to do so.
The UK government warns that EU pet passports can only be issued to individuals whose primary residence is in the EU. Therefore, residents of England, Scotland, or Wales will now require different documentation for their pets when traveling to EU countries.
What is Needed Instead of EU Pet Passports?
From now on, dogs, cats, and ferrets traveling from the UK to the EU will require an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). This certificate necessitates:
- A veterinary examination by an Official Veterinarian (OV) within 10 days of departure.
- Pets must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days prior to the issuance of the AHC.
AHCs cost around £100 (€115) and are single-use, requiring a new certificate for each trip.
Important Updates for Pet Owners
- The validity period for travelling within the EU, Switzerland, and Norway has been extended from four to six months, provided rabies vaccinations are still valid.
- A written declaration stating that the pet is traveling for non-commercial reasons must accompany the AHC.
Additional Travel Rules
- If the pet is traveling separately, it must do so within five days of the owner’s departure, and written consent from the owner is required.
- There is now a limit of five pets per private vehicle, reduced from five pets per person. However, foot passengers still adhere to the five pet rule.
Final Note
Individual EU countries may have additional requirements, so it’s advisable to check specific regulations before planning your trip.
