From Wednesday, April 22, 2026, new European Union rules will take effect, significantly altering passport requirements for British residents traveling with pets. The changes aim to tighten regulations and may result in increased costs and complexity for pet owners.
Key Changes to EU Pet Travel Rules
British residents can no longer use EU pet passports issued before April 22, 2026, to enter the EU with their pets. Instead, they must obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip from Great Britain to an EU country. This applies to non-commercial movement of dogs, cats, and ferrets.
What Is an Animal Health Certificate?
An Animal Health Certificate is an official veterinary document required since January 2021 for taking pets from Great Britain to the EU or Northern Ireland. It replaced the old UK-issued pet passport after Brexit. Costs range from £99 to over £250 per certificate, depending on the clinic.
Important Details
- AHCs are single-use but now valid for up to six months for onward travel within the EU and for re-entering Great Britain, provided rabies vaccinations remain current.
- There is a new limit of five pets per private vehicle for non-commercial travel into the EU, down from five per person.
- If the owner is not traveling with the pet, the pet must travel within five days of the owner, and the accompanying person must carry written permission.
- Individual EU member states may have specific entry requirements, so owners should check destination rules before travel.
Official Guidance
An Animal and Plant Health Agency spokesperson stated: "From 22 April, new EU rules change how GB residents travel to the EU with their pets, but holidays with your pets are still possible. Anyone planning to travel should check guidance on GOV.UK and the entry rules for their destination."
For more information, visit the UK government's guidance on taking pets abroad.
