Important Pet Travel Update: New EU Rules for UK Pets from April 2026

🛑 What Is Changing?

EU Pet Passports issued to UK residents will no longer be valid for entry into the EU.

As of 22 April 2026, an EU pet passport issued to or held by a pet owner resident in UK will no longer be accepted for travel from UK to the EU.

• This applies even if the passport was issued in an EU Member State or Northern Ireland before this date.

• EU pet passports will now only be issued to owners whose main residence is within the European Union.

  
  

📝 What You Need for travel: The Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

If you are a UK resident travelling to the EU with a pet dog, cat, or ferret from 22 April 2026 onwards, you must obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip.

• Validity: The AHC is valid for entry into the EU for 10 days from the date of issue.

• Onward Travel: It is valid for 4 months of onward travel within the EU.

• Return: It is valid for re-entry to UK for 4 months.

• Frequency: You will need a new AHC for every trip you make to the EU.

  
  

🔄 What Stays the Same

• UK Entry Rules: There are no changes to the requirements for bringing pets back into Great Britain.

• Microchip & Rabies: Pets must still be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel.

• Tapeworm Treatment: Dogs travelling to tapeworm-free countries (such as Finland, Republic of Ireland, Norway, or Malta) still require treatment 24-120 hours before landing.

  
  

💡 Our Advice for Clients

As the new rules represent a change in process, we strongly recommend that you check the entry requirements with the relevant authority in your destination country before booking any travel.

We are here to help ensure your documentation is correct. Feel free to contact Animal Health Certificates UK North to discuss your travel plans for 2026.

Detailed guidance on the changes will be published on GOV.UK closer to the date.