The upcoming EU-UK summit is set to announce measures that may reinstate pet passports for UK travelers, enabling easier transport of pets like dogs, cats, and ferrets across the Channel.
This potential agreement is part of a broader effort to enhance cooperation between the EU and the UK, a commitment taken up by current Prime Minister Andy Burnham after being promised by his predecessor, Keir Starmer. Scheduled for November 20 in Brussels, the deal includes a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement to facilitate food trade, improve UK access to the EU electricity market, and implement a youth mobility scheme.
The SPS agreement would eliminate checks on food and animal products and restore the use of EU pet passports for UK vacationers. Currently, UK travelers must secure an Animal Health Certificate for each trip due to their post-Brexit classification as a third country, although Northern Ireland remains under the EU pet travel scheme.
A government statement suggests that if the SPS agreement passes, UK pet owners could obtain a multi-use pet passport for EU travel, alleviating the need for multiple certificates. However, until mid-2027, travelers from Great Britain will still need the Animal Health Certificate. More detailed information on traveling with pets from non-EU countries can be found through official EU resources.
