People affected may need to get new papers, or risk being turned away
New European Union passport rules for British residents travelling with pets (stock image)(Image: Getty)
From Wednesday, April 22, new European Union (EU) rules will come into effect as part of a major change to passport rules. It will mean that people travelling in certain ways will find it more difficult and more expensive.
The new rules cover how British residents can travel to the EU with their pets. People can still travel to the EU with their pets, but they are strongly encouraged to check the latest guidance. From today, if you want to travel with your pet, you’ll need new papers, or you might have to go back home.
The changes, announced by the EU, apply to the non-commercial movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets entering the EU from Great Britain. There are no major changes to pet travel requirements for re-entry into Great Britain.
British residents should no longer use EU pet passports to travel to the EU. EU pet passports may now only be issued to people whose main home is in the EU and should not be used by people who have holiday homes in the EU or visit seasonally.
EU pet passports issued to residents of Great Britain before April 22, 2026, may no longer be valid documents for entry to the EU. This means British residents – even if they already have an EU pet passport – may need a different document to take their pet to the EU.
To guarantee smooth travel, owners resident in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate for their dog, cat or ferret(s) if they’re travelling from Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) to an EU country.
What is an Animal Health Certificate?
An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is the official vet document required since January 2021 for taking a pet dog, cat, or ferret from Great Britain to the EU or Northern Ireland. It replaced the old UK-issued ‘Pet Passport’ after Brexit.
AHCs for pets travelling from the UK to the EU usually range from £99 to more than £250 per certificate. Prices can vary widely depending on the clinic.
Individual Member States may have specific pet travel requirements, and pet owners should always check the specific entry requirements of the destination country before travel. British residents can still use EU pet passports for their return journey to Great Britain. AHCs now last longer upon arrival, but they are still single‑use.
Although you still need a new AHC for each trip from Great Britain to the EU, the certificate can now be used for up to six months for onward travel within the EU. It can also be used for re‑entering Great Britain, as long as rabies vaccinations remain valid.
If someone else travels with your pet, extra paperwork is needed. If the owner is not travelling with the pet, the pet must travel within five days of the owner, and the person accompanying the animal must carry written permission from the owner. This permission must travel with the pet’s travel document.
There is a new five‑pet limit per private vehicle. Non‑commercial travel into the EU is now limited to a maximum of five pets per private vehicle, rather than five per person.
The existing limit of five pets per person travelling on foot remains the same. Exceptions apply to pets travelling to competitions, events, or training, provided specific conditions are met.
An Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) spokesperson said: “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.
“To avoid delays and ensure a smooth journey, pet owners residing in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate if they’re travelling from Great Britain to an EU country.”
The Government’s guidance to pet owners has been updated to reflect these changes. For more information, visit:
