New rules for Pets travelling to the EU

From 22 April 2026, new EU rules will come into effect for pets travelling to the EU from Great Britain.

An EU pet passport, issued to or held by a pet owner who is resident in GB, will no longer be a valid document for travelling with pets to the EU. This applies to EU pet passports issued in an EU Member State or Northern Ireland, including those issued before 22 April 2026.

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

GB residents travelling to the EU with a pet dog, cat or ferret will need to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for travel from 22 April 2026.

Please contact us if you hold an EU passport for your pet and are travelling after 22^nd April. Our Official Veterinarians (Ovs) will be able to advise you on how to travel with your pet under the new rules.

More detailed guidance on the changes coming into effect from 22 April 2026 will be published on GOV.UK.