• Pet Travel
    Scheme

Pet passports are no longer valid for travel to and from Great Britain

From 2021 to April of this year, you were still able to travel on passports that had been issued from within the EU when travelling to and from Great Britain to an EU Country.

Guidance to official veterinarians from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (Briefing Note 14/26 – issued 17.04.2026) states that since 22 April 2026, this is no longer allowed, even for passports issued before that date.

You can find further information here (PDF).

The government website states that if you live in England, Scotland or Wales you should not use a pet passport (event if it was issued in the EU).


If you use a pet passport, your pet may be refused entry into the EU.  Please click on the following link to learn more: https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad

We have received reports that officials at some ports are accepting the pet passports without wishing to review the AHC documentation.

The legal position is that an AHC is required and that is therefore what our Official Veterinarians will always advise.

Your pet must:

  • Have a functioning microchip
  • Have a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • Enter the EU via a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry
  • Have an Animal Health Certificate written in the official language of the country into which they will enter the EU.
  • Dogs travelling directly to Finland, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland or Malta must be treated for tapeworm no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you arrive.

The Animal Health certificate is:

  • Valid for ten days for entry into the EU from the date of issue
  • Valid for a single trip into the EU
  • Valid for onward travel within the EU for six months or until the date of expiry of validity of the rabies vaccination whichever is sooner
  • Valid for re-entry to Great Britain for six months after the date of issue provided rabies vaccination is kept up to date.

We suggest that you discuss your travel plans with your vet at least one month before your intended travel plans to ensure your pet is prepared for travel.

Please contact us to advise on the steps required to ensure your pet is prepared for travel and ensure you have the required appointments booked for your pet.

The best place to check for the most up to date information is on the government website here.

Call your nearest 608 Vets below 

Solihull Vets: 0121 705 3044

Bentley Heath Vets: 01564 774246

Acocks Green Vets: 0121 706 1870

 

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