Planning to take your dog or cat to Poland from the UK? Since Brexit, the rules have changed — and getting it wrong can result in your pet being refused entry or quarantined.
This complete 2026 guide explains everything you need to know about pet travel to Poland, including requirements, costs, timelines, and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick Summary
To take your dog to Poland, you must:
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Microchip your dog
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Get a valid rabies vaccination
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Wait 21 days
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Get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) within 10 days of travel
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Travel to Poland
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Get tapeworm treatment before returning to the UK
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Step-by-Step: UK to Poland Dog Travel
1. Rabies Vaccination (Start here)
Your dog must be:
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Microchipped
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Vaccinated against rabies
Dogs can be vaccinated from 12 weeks old, and you must wait 21 days before travel.
Most rabies vaccines last 3 years.
Typical cost: £50–£90
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2. Plan Your Route to Poland
Most UK pet owners travel by car via:
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Eurotunnel (Folkestone to Calais), then driving through France, Belgium, Germany
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Ferry to France or the Netherlands, then driving to Poland
Flights are less common due to restrictions on dogs entering the UK.
Plan rest stops and overnight stays if needed, this is certainly a longer journey than Spain!
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3. Get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
An Animal Health Certificate is required for entry into Poland.
You must:
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Get it within 10 days of departure
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Have had rabies at least 21 days before
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Visit an Official Veterinarian
Key facts:
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Covers up to 5 pets
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Valid for 6 months in the EU
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Single-use only
Errors on AHCs are one of the main reasons pets are refused travel.
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4. Travel to Poland
Once your AHC is issued, you must travel within 10 days.
At the border:
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Microchip will be scanned
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Documents checked
After entry, your AHC allows movement within the EU.
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5. Tapeworm Treatment (Before Coming Home)
Before returning to the UK:
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Must be done 1–5 days before arrival
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Must be administered by an EU vet
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Must be recorded in your AHC
Missing this step can result in refusal of entry to the UK.
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6. Return to the UK
At the UK border, officials check:
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Tapeworm treatment timing
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AHC completion
Once approved, you can return without issue.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Getting the AHC too early
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Not waiting 21 days after rabies vaccination
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Incorrect tapeworm timing
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Missing paperwork details
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Expired rabies vaccination
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Protecting Your Dog in Poland
Poland has lower parasite risk than southern Europe, but you should still protect against:
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Ticks (common in forests and rural areas)
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Fleas
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Intestinal worms
Speak to your vet before travel to ensure appropriate cover.
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Travelling by Car with a Dog
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Use a harness or secured crate
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Bring water and a non-spill bowl
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Take regular breaks
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Avoid feeding immediately before travel
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Never leave your dog in a hot car
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Need an Animal Health Certificate?
We offer low-cost, vet-issued Animal Health Certificates across the UK, with flexible appointments designed around your travel date.
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Book online in minutes
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Fast turnaround
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Experienced Official Veterinarians
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FAQ SECTION
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FAQs
Do dogs need tapeworm treatment to return from Poland?
Yes. It must be given by an EU vet between 1 and 5 days before returning to the UK.
How long is an Animal Health Certificate valid?
It is valid for entry into the EU for 10 days, and for onward EU travel for up to 6 months.
Can I use a UK pet passport to travel to Poland?
No. Since Brexit, UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid for entry into the EU.
How long does it take to drive to Poland with a dog?
Most journeys take 1–2 days depending on route and stops.
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