New Restrictions for GB Pets with EU issued Pet Passports
From 22 April 2026, new regulations apply to anyone travelling from Great Britain to the EU with dogs, cats, or ferrets.
Visit GOV.UK: Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad: Travelling to an EU country
To travel to the EU and its associated (“listed”) countries, dogs, cats (and ferrets) must be microchipped for accurate identification and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. Here is a list of EU and associated ‘listed’ countries.
One of our Official Veterinarians (OVs) can prepare the Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for you and sign it as required by the EU. This 10 page document will be checked at your port of entry into the EU and your pet’s microchip number scanned.
The AHC must be used within 10 days after the date that we issue, sign and stamp it. It is also used when you re-enter the UK, which must be within four months of the date it is issued. (If you are staying outside the UK for longer than four months, new paperwork must be provided by a vet in the EU country you are in.)
By Air
If you plan to travel with your pet by air please complete the AHC application. Also please complete the Fit to Fly application.
Some European airlines allow pets under 8kg (including the weight of the carrier) to accompany you in the passenger cabin on the outward journey but all pets must be in the hold for their return journey to the UK. (This is an APHA regulation, not an airline one.)
By Ferry
If you plan to travel by ferry with your pet in your car, please complete the AHC application. Most ferry companies require pets to remain in cars during journeys.
Most ferry companies do not allow pets to accompany foot passengers. Some do, providing your pet travels in a pet carrier. Please check with the ferry company that you plan to use before planning travel with your pet.
Returning From The Eu Including The Republic Of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Switzerland And Norway And Other Listed Countries
The Animal Health Certificate (AHC) provided to enter the EU, Switzerland and Norway is valid for four months for re-entry to the UK.
If you have a dog, visit an EU vet between 1-5 days before returning to the UK. The vet will give an anti-tapeworm medicine and complete the appropriate section of the AHC.
If you have a cat, it does not need worming. As long as you return within four months all you need is the valid AHC you used at departure.
Insect transmitted diseases are more common and more severe on the continent than they are in the UK and the island of Ireland. We strongly recommend that mosquito, sandfly and tick bite prevention begins a week before your cat or dog travels.
Although it is not a government regulation, we recommend that your pet is treated for external parasites. There are a number of exotic parasites which cats and dogs travelling to Europen may be exposed to. The European Scientific Counsel for Companion Animal Parasites has more information which can be found here. Please let us know you would like some parasite treatment to protect your pet before you go.
EU Travel FAQs