How to Travel With Pets Abroad: UK to EU Guide
Travelling with pets abroad from the UK changed significantly in April 2026, when EU pet passports were withdrawn for Great Britain residents entirely, even passports issued by an EU vet. This guide covers exactly what UK pet owners now need for dogs, cats and ferrets travelling to the EU, and how to avoid the paperwork mistakes that lead to a pet being refused entry.
The Animal Health Certificate: What Replaced the Pet Passport
From 22 April 2026, Great Britain residents can no longer use an EU pet passport to enter the EU, regardless of when or where it was issued. In its place, every trip now requires an Animal Health Certificate, commonly known as an AHC, issued by an official veterinarian. Unlike the old passport system, an AHC is single-use: it must be obtained fresh for every trip, is valid for entry into the EU within 10 days of issue, and then remains usable for onward EU travel and re-entry to Great Britain for up to six months, provided the rabies vaccination it is based on remains valid.
What Your Pet Needs Before You Can Get an AHC
- An ISO-compliant microchip, implanted before the rabies vaccination, since the vaccine is not considered valid if given first
- A current rabies vaccination, administered at least 21 days before travel; if the vaccination has lapsed, the 21-day waiting period restarts from a new dose
- Tapeworm treatment, required if returning to the UK with a dog, administered by a vet within the specific window set for your return date; cats do not need this for re-entry
Booking Your Animal Health Certificate
The AHC must be issued by an official veterinarian no more than 10 days before you enter the EU, so booking too early is as much of a problem as booking too late. Costs typically range from £90 to £200 depending on the practice, and appointments should be arranged well in advance of travel, since not every vet is authorised to issue AHCs and availability can be limited close to peak summer season. One certificate can cover up to five pets travelling together, provided all the required details, including each microchip number, are recorded accurately.
UK to EU Pet Travel Timeline
| Step | Timing |
|---|---|
| Microchip implanted | Before rabies vaccination, any time before travel |
| Rabies vaccination | At least 21 days before travel |
| Animal Health Certificate issued | Within 10 days before EU entry |
| Tapeworm treatment (dogs, for UK return) | Within the specific pre-return window set by your vet |
| EU entry | Within 10 days of AHC issue |
Choosing How Your Pet Travels
Ferry and Eurotunnel Le Shuttle crossings are the most straightforward options for pets travelling by car, since the animal generally stays with you in the vehicle throughout. Eurostar does not currently allow pets, so travellers relying on the train need to plan an alternative route. For flying, small pets under roughly 8 to 10kg can travel in-cabin on some airlines, while larger pets typically travel as manifest cargo, and rules vary considerably by airline, so checking directly before booking is essential.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays or Refusal
- Assuming an old EU pet passport still works, even one issued by an EU vet before April 2026, since these are no longer accepted for Great Britain residents
- Getting the AHC too early, outside the strict 10-day entry window, which invalidates it for that trip
- Microchip and vaccination out of sequence, since a rabies vaccine given before the microchip is fitted is not considered valid
- Missing the return tapeworm treatment window for dogs coming back into the UK, one of the most common reasons for delays at UK border control
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my pet’s old EU pet passport to travel from the UK?
No, from 22 April 2026 EU pet passports are no longer valid for Great Britain residents, even those issued by a vet in an EU country before this date. An Animal Health Certificate is now required for every trip.
How far in advance do I need to book an Animal Health Certificate?
The certificate itself must be issued within 10 days of your EU entry, but appointments with an authorised official veterinarian should be booked well ahead of travel, particularly during busy summer months.
Does my cat need tapeworm treatment to return to the UK?
No, tapeworm treatment before returning to the UK is required for dogs but not for cats.
Can one Animal Health Certificate cover more than one pet?
Yes, a single AHC can cover up to five pets travelling together, provided every pet’s details, including microchip numbers, are recorded correctly on the certificate.
Related Reading
About the author: The Stony Port editorial team researches travel documentation and family travel to help UK travellers plan with confidence. Pet travel rules referenced here reflect the position as of August 2026 and may change; always confirm current requirements with your vet and gov.uk before you travel.
