Pet Travel FAQs
Pet travel rules changed overnight on 22 April 2026, and we know many of you are looking for answers. We've put together this FAQ to help you understand what's changed, what you need, and what to do next. Please always verify the latest requirements with APHA guidance and the entry rules of your destination country before you travel.
According to the newly issued APHA Briefing Note, as of 22 April 2026, EU pet passports are no longer valid for GB residents travelling to the EU, including those issued in an EU Member State or Northern Ireland before this date. GB residents with a pet dog, cat, or ferret will now need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every trip. EU pet passports may only be issued to owners whose main residence is within the European Union.
Detailed guidance on the changes coming into effect will be published on GOV.UK.
The UK veterinary community is seeking further clarification on some aspects of this change. We will update this page as new guidance is issued.
If you’re not sure where you stand, just call us. We’d rather answer a ten-minute question now than have you turned away at the border.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly has changed?
Until now, many GB residents have used an EU pet passport, issued by an EU country, to travel repeatedly with their pet. From 22 April 2026, EU passports issued to pet owners with a main residence in Great Britain will no longer be valid for entry into the EU. GB residents must now use an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) instead. The guidance has not clearly specified what constitutes “main residence”, which has caused some confusion. We would caution against making assumptions based on Tax Domicile OR Citizenship. Criteria may vary across government, border control, and regulatory agencies.
Why has this changed?
The change comes from a new EU regulation, adopted in January 2026 and in force from 22 April. It tightens a long-standing rule that EU pet passports may only be issued to owners whose main residence is within the EU. This change is being made by the EU, not the UK government.
I only heard about this a few days before it came into force. Is that right?
Yes, and you are not alone. The change was published with a very short public notice, and many pet owners only found out days before the rules took effect. We are currently fielding many calls about this and are very happy to help you figure out what you need.
Does this apply to me if I live in Northern Ireland?
No. Northern Ireland residents follow EU pet travel rules and can still use an EU pet passport. These changes only affect residents of England, Scotland, and Wales.
About the Animal Health Certificate
What is an Animal Health Certificate?
An AHC is an official document issued by a UK Official Veterinarian (OV) that confirms your pet meets EU entry requirements: microchipped, rabies-vaccinated, and fit to travel. It is accepted at the EU border in place of a passport.
How long is an AHC valid for?
An AHC covers a single trip. It is valid for:
10 days from the date of issue for entry into the EU
4 months of onward travel within the EU after arrival
4 months for your return journey to Great Britain
This means we should issue the AHC no more than 10 days before your outbound travel date.
Do I need a new AHC every time I travel?
Yes. Unlike the old passport, which could be reused for years, an AHC is for a single trip. If you travel to the EU five times a year, you will need five AHCs.
How much does an AHC cost?
Our current price for an AHC is £250. Please contact us when booking to discuss additional pets.
Can you issue an AHC at my next routine appointment?
No. An AHC requires a dedicated appointment with an Official Veterinarian and must fall within 10 days of your travel date. The paperwork takes significant additional time, and we need to verify specific records in advance. Please book a dedicated AHC appointment.
Can I get the AHC online or by email?
No. Your pet and the person who will be with them at the border must be physically present so that the microchip can be scanned and documents signed. Please bring your pet and proof of their rabies vaccination to the appointment.
Microchip, Rabies & Timing
What do I need to have in place before the AHC appointment?
By the time of your appointment, your pet must have:
1. A working microchip, fitted and recorded before the rabies vaccination.
2. A primary rabies vaccination given on or after the microchip was fitted, with at least 21 days elapsed since that vaccination, or a valid in-date booster given before the previous vaccine expires.
3. Documentary proof of the rabies vaccination (the vaccination record or old passport), including the microchip number.
My pet was vaccinated against rabies years ago. Does that still count?
If the rabies vaccination has been kept up to date with boosters (given before each previous vaccine expired), it is still valid. If your pet's rabies cover has lapsed, a new primary vaccination is required, followed by a 21-day waiting period before we can issue an AHC.
The microchip was fitted after the rabies jab. Is that a problem?
Yes, and this is one of the most common reasons AHCs cannot be issued. The microchip must be in place first so the rabies vaccination can be linked to an identifiable animal. If the order is wrong, your pet will need to be revaccinated after the chip is confirmed, with a fresh 21-day wait.
What about tapeworm treatment?
If your pet is a dog travelling directly into Finland, the Republic of Ireland, Malta, or Norway, they need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 24–120 hours (1–5 days) before arriving at the destination.
Is pet insurance required?
Not by the EU. However, we recommend checking that your pet insurance covers you abroad, and many owners choose dedicated pet travel insurance for longer stays.
Common Situations and What to Do
I have an EU pet passport issued in France. Is it now useless?
Don't throw it away. It is no longer valid for EU entry, but it is good evidence of your pet's microchip and rabies vaccination history, exactly what we need at your AHC appointment. Bring it with you.
We're already in France with our pet. What do we do?
Don't panic, travel into the EU before 22 April on a valid EU passport was lawful at the time. For the return to Great Britain, entry requirements have not changed in the same way. If you plan any future EU travel, you will need a GB-issued AHC next time. We strongly recommend calling the APHA Pet Travel Helpline on 0370 241 1710 for tailored advice on your specific route before booking.
We travel to our second home in the EU several times a year. This will cost us significantly more, won't it?
Honestly, yes. A single AHC per trip is a real change from the old passport model, and we understand this is a significant additional cost for frequent travellers. The government has indicated that it is in discussions with the EU about a longer-term arrangement, but nothing has been confirmed.
How far in advance should I book an AHC appointment?
The AHC must be issued within 10 days of travel, so your appointment will fall within that window. However, we recommend getting in touch at least 3–4 weeks before travel, ideally sooner, so we can review your records and resolve any issues in time. OV appointments fill up quickly around school holidays.
What do I need to bring to the OV appointment?
Your pet
Their existing passport or rabies vaccination record
Microchip documentation, if held separately
Your travel dates and destination country
The person who will be with the pet at the border
Can several pets travel on one AHC?
Up to five pets owned by the same person can be listed on a single AHC, provided they are all travelling together. A supplementary fee applies per additional pet.
Does this affect assistance dogs?
Assistance dogs are subject to the same document requirements, but there are separate provisions regarding permitted travel routes. Please mention this when booking so we can brief you fully.
If Something Goes Wrong
What happens if I arrive at the border without an AHC?
Border authorities can refuse entry, quarantine your pet, or require it to be returned to Great Britain, all at your cost. If you are uncertain about your paperwork, please call us before you travel.
What if my AHC contains an error?
Please contact us as soon as you spot it. Minor errors can often be corrected quickly if caught before travel. A microchip mismatch is more serious and may require a new appointment. Always check the certificate carefully before leaving the practice.
I can't get an AHC appointment in time. What are my options?
Your options include:
Asking us to add you to our cancellation list
Contacting a dedicated pet travel clinic, several operate nationally with short-notice appointments
Searching the APHA register of Official Veterinarians at gov.uk for another local OV
In the worst case, rebooking your travel
Useful Contacts
UK Government pet travel guidance: gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad
APHA Pet Travel Helpline: 0370 241 1710 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–5pm)
APHA Email: pettravel@apha.gov.uk
Virtue Vets: hello@virtuevets.com Call: +44 (0)20 3011 1032
A note on accuracy: This FAQ is based on the APHA Briefing Note 14/26 and guidance current as of April 2026. Rules can change, particularly around any future UK–EU arrangements, so please check with us or APHA before booking travel.
Source: APHA Briefing Note 14/26 (April 2026) and the January 2026 EU regulation.
Last updated: 22 April 2026