You can no longer use EU pet passports to travel into the EU
A generic picture of a dog (Image: Getty Images)
New rules have come into force today concerning how residents in the UK can travel to the EU with their pets. The changes, announced by the EU, apply to the non-commercial movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets entering the EU from Great Britain.
There are no major changes to pet travel requirements for re-entry into Great Britain. British residents are still able to use EU pet passports for their return journey. One of the main changes introduced is that you can no longer use EU pet passports to travel into the EU.
EU pet passports may now only be issued to people whose main home is in the EU and should not be used by people who have holiday homes in the EU or visit seasonally. EU pet passports issued to GB residents before April 22 2026 may no longer be valid documents for entry to the EU.
Guidance shared by the Animal and Plant Health Agency, said: “This means British residents, even if they already have an EU pet passport may need a different document to take their pet to the EU.
“To guarantee smooth travel, owners resident in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate for their dog, cat or ferret if they’re travelling from Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) to an EU country.”
However, you should be aware that individual member states may have specific pet travel requirements and pet owners should always check the specific entry requirements of the destination country before travel.
If someone else travels with your pet, extra paperwork is needed. If the owner is not travelling with the pet, the pet must travel within five days of the owner, and the person accompanying the animal must carry written permission from the owner. This permission must travel with the pet’s travel document.
Government guidance said: “There is a new five‑pet limit per private vehicle. Non‑commercial travel into the EU is now limited to a maximum of five pets per private vehicle, rather than five per person.
“The existing limit of five pets for people travelling on foot stays the same. Exceptions apply for pets travelling to competitions, events or training, if specific conditions are met.”
An APHA spokesperson said: “From April 22, new EU rules change how GB residents travel to the EU with their pets, but holidays with your pets are still possible. Anyone planning to travel should check guidance on GOV.UK, and the entry rules for their destination.
“To avoid delays and ensure a smooth journey, pet owners residing in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate if they’re travelling from Great Britain to an EU country.”
