24/04/2026
📣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 update you need to be aware of.
From 22 April 2026, new EU regulations will change 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 only be valid for pet owners who are resident within the EU, meaning this change mainly affects GB-based travellers.
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
✔️ Single-use only – a new AHC is required for every trip
🐾 Before you travel, make sure:
* Your pet is microchipped
* Your pet has a valid rabies vaccination
* Must be given at least 21 days before travel
* Typically valid for up to 3 years
* Dogs travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, or Norway must have a tapeworm treatment
* Given by a vet 1–5 days before travel
🇬🇧 Good news:
There are no changes to pet entry requirements back into Great Britain.
ℹ️ Travelling to Northern Ireland:
You no longer need an AHC. Instead, you’ll need to apply for a Pet Travel Document under the new NI pet travel scheme.
✅ Already booked your AHC?
Any Animal Health Certificates that are already booked will go ahead as planned—this new ruling does not affect existing appointments.
If you have any questions or need help arranging an AHC, feel free to get in touch 🐶✈️
