LONDON, April 21 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
From Wednesday 22 Aprilnew EU ruleshavecome into effectcoveringhow GB residents can travel to the EU with their pets.People can still travel to the EU with their pets, but they arestronglyencouraged to check the latest guidance.
Thechanges, announcedby the EU,apply to thenon-commercialmovement ofpetdogs, cats and ferrets entering the EU from Great Britain.
There are no major changes to pet travel requirements for re-entry into Great Britain.
Key updates include:
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GB residentsshouldno longer use EU pet passportsto travel into the EU.EU pet passports may now only be issued to people whose main home is in the EUandshould notbe used bypeople who have holiday homes in the EU or visit seasonally.EUpetpassportsissued toGBresidentsbefore22 April2026maynolongerbevalid documentsfor entry totheEU.This means GB residents - even if they already have an EU pet passport -mayneed a different document to take their pet to the EU.To guarantee smooth travel,ownersresident in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate for their dog, cat or ferret(s) ifthey'retravelling from Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) to an EU country.
Individual Member States may have specific pet travel requirementsandpet owners should always check the specific entry requirements of the destination country before travel.
GB residentsare still able to useEU petpassportsfortheirreturnjourney toGB.
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AnimalHealthCertificates(AHCs)now last longer once you arrive, but they are stillsingle‑use.Although you still need a new AHC for each trip from GB to the EU, the certificate can now be used for up to six months for onward travel within the EU and forre‑enteringGreat Britain, as long as rabies vaccinationsremainvalid.
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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 personaccompanyingthe animal must carry written permission from the owner. This permission must travel with the pet'stravel document.
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There is a newfive‑petlimit per private vehicle.Non‑commercialtravel 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 for people travelling on foot stays the same. Exceptions apply for pets travelling to competitions,eventsor training, if specific conditions are met.
An 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, andthe 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 topet owners has beenupdatedto reflect these changes.For moreinformation,visit:
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Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad: Travelling to an EU country
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Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad: Pet passport
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Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad: Getting an animal health certificate
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Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain: What you need to do
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
