The EU has introduced changes to the rules for the non-commercial movement of pets entering the EU from third countries including Great Britain, such as dogs, cats and ferrets, and they come into effect on April 22, 2026.
Pet owners are advised to check the entry requirements with the relevant
authority in the destination country before travel.
An EU pet passport, issued to or held by a pet owner who is resident in Great Britain, will no longer be a valid document for travelling with pets from Great Britain to Europe. This applies to EU pet passports issued in an EU Member State or Northern Ireland, including those issued before April 22, 2026.
Under the new rules EU pet passports may only be issued to owners
whose main residence is within the European Union.
Residents in Great Britain travelling to Europe with a pet dog, cat or ferret will need to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for travel from 22 April 2026.
There are no changes to GB entry requirements.
More details about changes coming into effect from April 2026 22 will be published on UK government website, GOV.UK.
The Animal Health Certificate templates will also be updated. Until the new ones are avialble the EU has agreed a transition period during which the old AHC certicate will be accpeted for entering Europe.
