New EU Pet Travel Rules for GB Residents: What Changed in April 2026

Important pet travel rules changed on 22 April 2026 for people resident in Great Britain travelling with dogs, cats and ferrets to the EU.

EU pet passports and GB residents

Government guidance says GB residents should no longer rely on an EU pet passport to enter the EU from Great Britain. Even an EU pet passport issued before 22 April 2026 may no longer be accepted for that outward journey. To avoid problems at the border, GB residents travelling from England, Scotland or Wales should obtain an Animal Health Certificate unless another valid document clearly applies.

AHCs are still single-use for leaving Great Britain

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

But the certificate lasts longer once you enter the EU

The 2026 change extended the period an AHC can be used for onward travel within the EU and for re-entry to Great Britain to up to 6 months, provided the rabies vaccination remains valid.

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

You can check availability and book online at https://www.thepetpassportco.co.uk/custom-booking-form.