Planning to travel to Europe with your pet? These new rules could catch you out

UK pet owners are being warned about updated EU travel requirements that could lead to delays, added costs, or even refusal at the border if not followed properly.

As of 22 April 2026, the EU has tightened its borders for pets travelling from Great Britain. While some of the requirements have been in place since Brexit, enforcement has now become stricter, particularly around the use of pet passports.

What’s actually changed?

For UK pet owners travelling from Great Britain, the key points are:

• EU pet passports can no longer be used by GB residents to enter the EU from 22 April 2026
• Instead, you must now use an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every trip

What is an Animal Health Certificate?

An Animal Health Certificate is an official document issued by a vet confirming your pet meets the health requirements to travel. Here’s the nitty-gritty of how it works:

• 10-Day Window: You must get the certificate from an official vet within 10 days of your departure date.
• Single-Use Rule: Unlike the old passports, an AHC is only valid for one entry into the EU. If you come home and go back to France two weeks later, you’ll need a fresh one.
• Duration: Once you’re in the EU, the certificate is valid for 4 months of onward travel or until your rabies vaccination expires (whichever comes first).

The costs of the commute

Let’s talk numbers. Because a vet has to manually check and sign these documents every time, they aren’t cheap. You can expect to pay anywhere between £100 to £350 per pet, depending on your vet’s fees. If you travel frequently, those costs can really add up, so it’s worth budgeting for it alongside your own ferry or tunnel tickets.

Additional health requirements

Before your vet can even think about signing that certificate, your pet needs to tick these boxes:

• They must be microchipped before (or at the same time as) their rabies jab.
• They must have a current rabies vaccination. If it’s their first-ever rabies vaccination, you have to wait 21 days after the jab before you can travel.
• If you’re heading to Ireland, Malta, or Finland, your dog needs a specific tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 1–5 days before you arrive.

Where people are getting caught out

Most border delays happen because of simple confusion. Here are the common traps:

• Pet passports still exist and are valid within the EU, leading some to assume they can still be used from the UK.
• A missing date or an illegible stamp can result in your pet being refused entry or, in extreme cases, placed in quarantine at your expense.

Don’t get caught out

Travelling with your pet is still very much possible, but it now requires careful planning. Before you travel, it is worth:

• Contacting your vet at least a month before you want to leave.
• Checking the entry requirements as some countries have specific rules.
• Making sure all documents are accurate and up to date

Ready to hit the road?

Planning the perfect getaway is stressful enough without worrying about “what if” your pet gets sick abroad. Veterinary costs in Europe can be just as high as in the UK, and navigating a foreign clinic in a different language is the last thing you want to do while on holiday.

We make it easy to protect your adventures. Under our policies, your pet is covered in any country that is a member of the European Union for up to 90 days within your period of insurance. Whether it’s a quick weekend in France or a long summer in Spain, you can travel knowing that we’ve got your back (and your pet’s) every step of the way.

For official guidance, visit:

• UK Government
• European Commission