EU-UK Summit Set to Revive Pet Passports
An agreement is expected to be unveiled at the upcoming EU-UK summit on November 20 in Brussels, potentially reintroducing pet passports. This would simplify cross-Channel travel for holidaymakers bringing dogs, cats, and ferrets.
Background
Negotiations between the EU and UK are focused on enhancing cooperation, reflecting a “reset” in relations initiated by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer and continued by current PM Andy Burnham.
The proposed deal includes measures such as:
- A sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement on food trade.
- UK access to the EU electricity market.
- Establishment of a youth mobility scheme.
Key Features of the Agreement
The SPS agreement is expected to be the least contentious aspect, allowing:
- Removal of checks on food and animal products.
- Restoration of EU pet passports for UK travelers.
In return, the UK will adopt EU standards for animal and food products, ensuring imports from non-EU countries comply with these regulations.
Current Situation and Future Prospects
Previously, British travelers lost access to EU pet passports following Brexit, requiring an Animal Health Certificate for each trip. Only Northern Ireland continues to participate in the EU pet travel scheme.
In April 2026, stricter EU rules took effect, further excluding residents of England, Scotland, and Wales from the pet passport scheme. However, the new agreement could allow UK pet owners to obtain a multi-use pet passport for EU travel by mid-2027.
Until then, animal health certificates remain necessary for pets traveling from Great Britain to EU countries.
For further details on bringing pets into the EU from non-EU countries, visit the EU’s webpage.
