DEFRA Clarifies Guidance on EU Pet Passports Following the April 2026 EU Regulation Changes

APHA/DEFRA is aware that some GB residents may still be travelling using EU pet passports in practice. At present, APHA/DEFRA have not been made aware of any change to the European Commission’s position, which remains that EU pet passports are intended for owners resident in an EU member state or Northern Ireland, and passports held by GB residents may not be accepted as a valid document for pet travel into the EU.

GB cannot set or alter EU entry requirements, and the EU has not notified APHA/DEFRA of any agreed exemptions that would allow us to advise differently.

APHA/DEFRA recognises there is currently conflicting advice being issued from other parties and in practice this likely reflects differences in how individual Member States or carriers are currently applying checks, rather than any confirmed change to the underlying EU requirements.

On that basis, and to support consistent compliance, APHA/DEFRA continue to advise that GB residents obtain an Animal Health Certificate for travel to the EU from GB, as this provides the most reliable route for meeting entry requirements. Pet owners should check with the competent authority in the country of destination to confirm what documentation will be accepted.