From 22 April 2026, new regulations have come into effect for pet travel between the UK and the European Union. This means that EU Pet Passports issued in the EU or Northern Ireland will no longer be valid for UK residents travelling with their pets from this date.
We know that travelling with your pet is an important part of family life. Whether it’s a summer holiday in France or a winter escape to Spain, many of our clients rely on straightforward pet travel rules.
However, from 22 April 2026, there has been a significant change to how pets travel from Great Britain to the EU. Here’s what you need to know, what’s changed, and how it may affect your plans.
What were the rules before?
Before this latest update, pet travel had already changed following Brexit in 2021.
- UK-issued EU pet passports were no longer valid.
- Instead, most UK pet owners needed an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip to the EU.
- However, there was a workaround: some UK residents were still using EU-issued pet passports (for example, obtained in France or Ireland).
- These EU passports were particularly useful because:
- They were valid for multiple trips
- They lasted for the lifetime of the pet (as long as vaccinations were up to date)
This created a grey area where some UK-based pet owners could avoid repeated certificates and costs.
What changed on 22 April 2026?
The rules have tightened, and the key change is:
👉 EU pet passports are no longer valid for UK (Great Britain) residents travelling to the EU — even if they were issued in the EU.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.
There are also stricter rules on who can travel with your pet and the maximum number of pets that can travel.
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.
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.
What do you need to travel now?
From 22 April 2026, if you’re travelling to the EU with a dog, cat, or ferret, you will need:
1. An Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
- Issued by an official veterinarian
- Must be completed within 10 days before travel
- Single-use document — a new one is required for every trip
2. Standard health requirements
- Microchip
- Up-to-date rabies vaccination
- Additional treatments (e.g. tapeworm for dogs returning to the UK)
3. Validity
- The AHC allows:
- Entry into the EU within 10 days
- Onward travel within the EU for up to 6 months (increased from 4 months)
- Re-entry into the UK (if valid)
No change for returning to the UK
The rules for bringing your pet back into Great Britain remain largely unchanged
Why has this change happened?
The update aligns with EU regulations that restrict pet passports to animals and owners based within the EU, and ensures consistent application of post-Brexit “third country” rules.
In simple terms, pet passports are now a residency-based document, not a travel convenience.
Our advice
The good news is we can help! At Doorstep Vet we have official veterinarians (OVs) who can issue AHCs, ensuring your pet doesn’t miss out on their family holiday! If you’re planning to travel with your pet:
- Book your AHC appointment early (at least several weeks in advance)
- Check your pet’s rabies vaccination status
- Allow time for any additional treatments or paperwork
- Always review the specific entry rules for your destination country – this responsibility lies with you, the pet owner.
For upto date information about these changes please see the government website and APHA.
If you have any questions or need help arranging an Animal Health Certificate, please contact our team — we’re here to help make the process as smooth as possible.
Doorstep Vet