EU Pet Passport Rule Changes: What Pet Owners Need to Know

As of 22 April 2026, important changes have come into effect for UK pet owners travelling to the EU - and they could significantly impact how you plan your trips.

Previously, many travellers relied on EU pet passports to take their pets abroad. However, these are no longer valid for Great Britain residents, even if the passport was originally issued in the EU or Northern Ireland.

So, what’s changed?

Pet owners must now obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip to the EU. These certificates must be issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days of travel and are valid for a single journey only. This means a new certificate will be required every time you travel with your pet.

The rules apply to dogs, cats, and ferrets travelling for non-commercial purposes. The good news is that there are no significant changes for re-entering the UK, as long as your pet meets the standard requirements.

What should you do next?

Planning ahead is now more important than ever. Booking a vet appointment well in advance to issue the AHC will help ensure everything is in place before you travel and avoid unnecessary stress or delays.

If you’re unsure about the new requirements or need help arranging an Animal Health Certificate, Tribe Vets can help you.

At Tribe Vets, we’re here to help make travelling with your pet as smooth and stress-free as possible.