AHCs Now Last Up to 6 Months After EU Entry: What That Actually Means

One of the most useful 2026 changes is that an Animal Health Certificate now has a longer life after the pet has entered the EU.

What changed?

Government guidance says the certificate can now be used for onward travel within the EU and for re-entry to Great Britain for up to 6 months, as long as the rabies vaccination remains valid.

What did not change?

You still need a new AHC for each new trip from Great Britain to the EU, and the certificate still needs to be issued within 10 days before EU entry.

Why this matters

For longer European trips, second-home stays and extended touring, the change removes the old short onward-travel limit while keeping the same requirement for a fresh certificate when beginning a new trip from Great Britain.

Official source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-eu-rules-for-pet-travel-for-gb-residents