NEW EU PET PASSPORT REGULATION 22/04/2026

New EU Pet Travel Rules for GB Residents: What You Need to Know in 2026

As of 22 April 2026, significant changes have come into force affecting how pet owners in Great Britain travel to the European Union. If you’re planning a trip with your dog, cat, or ferret, it’s essential to understand what’s changed—and how to stay compliant.

EU Pet Passports Are No Longer Valid for GB Residents

One of the biggest updates is that EU pet passports can no longer be used by GB residents when travelling from Great Britain to the EU. This applies regardless of when or where the passport was issued—even if it was issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland. (Yappily)

Under the new rules, EU pet passports are now restricted to pet owners whose primary residence is within the EU, effectively closing a long-used workaround for UK travellers. (FrenchEntrée)

Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) Are Now Required

Instead of a pet passport, GB residents must now obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip to the EU. (ITVX)

Here’s what that means in practice:

• An AHC must be issued by an Official Veterinarian

• It must be obtained within 10 days of travel

• It is single-use, meaning a new certificate is required for every outbound trip

• It covers travel for up to 6 months within the EU, as well as re-entry into Great Britain, provided rabies vaccinations remain valid (GOV.UK)

While this system adds more planning and cost, it remains the only compliant way for GB residents to travel to the EU with pets.

Using Your Pet Passport as Rabies Proof

Although EU pet passports are no longer valid for travel from Great Britain, they can still play an important role.

A valid EU pet passport can be used as evidence of your pet’s rabies vaccination history when applying for an Animal Health Certificate. This is particularly helpful if your pet has an up-to-date vaccination recorded by an EU vet.

Both pet passports and AHCs serve as official records that may include:

• Microchip details

• Rabies vaccination status

• Tapeworm treatment (if required) (GOV.UK)

This means that while the passport itself can’t be used for entry into the EU, it can still streamline the AHC process by providing verified vaccination history—saving time and avoiding unnecessary repeat vaccinations.

Key Takeaways for Pet Owners

• ❌ EU pet passports are no longer valid for GB residents travelling to the EU

• ✅ You must obtain an Animal Health Certificate for each trip

• 📅 AHCs are issued within 10 days of travel and valid for onward EU travel for up to 6 months

• 💉 Existing pet passports can still be used as proof of rabies vaccination

  
  

Planning Ahead

With these changes now in force, preparation is more important than ever. Booking your AHC appointment in advance and ensuring your pet’s rabies vaccinations are up to date will help avoid last-minute stress.

At The Pet Passport Co., we’re here to guide you through every step of the process—making pet travel as smooth and stress-free as possible under the new regulations.

Need help arranging your Animal Health Certificate? Get in touch with our team today and travel with confidence.

Written by Dr Ezekiel Maguire MRCVS

Official Veterinarian

Founder of The Pet Passport Co.