18/04/2026
📢 Important Update: EU Pet Travel Rules Changing (April 2026)
If you’re planning to travel to the EU with your pet, there’s an important rule change you need to be aware of.
From 22 April 2026, updated EU regulations will affect how pets travel from Great Britain (GB) to the EU.
🚫 EU Pet Passports:
EU pet passports will no longer be valid for GB residents travelling to the EU, even if they were issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland before this date.
👉 These passports will now primarily be valid only for pet owners who are resident within the EU, meaning this change mainly impacts GB-based pet owners travelling abroad.
📄 What you’ll need instead:
All GB residents travelling with a dog, cat, or ferret will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian.
✔️ Must be issued within 10 days of travel
✔️ Valid for entry into the EU for 10 days
✔️ Allows onward travel within the EU and return to GB for up to 4 months
✔️ A new AHC is required for every trip
🐾 Key requirements before travel
* Microchip in place
* Valid rabies vaccination (with a 21-day wait after first vaccine)
* Additional treatments may be required depending on destination
🇬🇧 Good news:
There are no changes to pet entry requirements back into Great Britain.
✅ Already booked your AHC?
Any Animal Health Certificates that are already booked in will be completed as planned — this new ruling does not affect existing AHC appointments.
