If you are planning to drive to France, Spain or anywhere in Europe with your dog, cat or ferret this summer, the rules have changed significantly — and changed very recently. A major update came into force on 22 April 2026 with just days of notice, catching many UK pet owners completely off guard. This guide explains exactly what you need, when you need it, and what happens when you come home.
Major change from 22 April 2026
EU pet passports issued to UK residents are no longer accepted for travel to the EU — even those issued before this date. Every trip now requires a new Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an Official Veterinarian.
The Big Change — EU Pet Passports Are No Longer Valid
For years after Brexit, many UK pet owners continued to use EU-issued pet passports — particularly those who had passports issued by vets in France or Spain during visits. That loophole is now firmly closed.
From 22 April 2026, EU pet passports issued to UK residents are no longer accepted for travel to the EU. Instead, UK pet owners must obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every single trip, requiring a veterinary visit within 10 days of travel and costing around £90 per pet.
EU pet passports may now only be issued to, and used by, people whose permanent, primary residence is within the EU. The rule is simple but strict — if you live in Great Britain, an EU pet passport is no longer valid for your pet, even if it was issued before 22 April 2026.
Northern Ireland exception: Residents in Northern Ireland may still be issued EU pet passports by their vets due to the different post-Brexit rules applicable there.
What You Need Before You Leave the UK
For dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from Great Britain to any EU country, you need:
Microchip
Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip.
Valid Rabies Vaccination
The rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel and must be within its validity period.
If your pet has never been vaccinated against rabies, or if the vaccination has lapsed, you need to restart the process and wait 21 days before you can travel.
Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
The AHC must be issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) within the 10 days before your pet enters the EU. This is not a certificate your regular vet can issue — it must be a vet approved by APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency).
Most large vet practices have an OV on staff, but check in advance and book early as appointments fill up quickly in summer.
Cost: approximately £90–£200 depending on your vet practice
Validity: covers the outward journey, and the return journey within four months — so you do not need a new certificate for the trip home as long as you return within four months
Entry Point Requirements
You can only enter the EU with your pet through a designated travellers point of entry. Most main ferry terminals and ports are designated entry points — but if you are travelling to a specific destination like Greece or Portugal, check in advance as island entry points can have restrictions.
The Timing Problem — Plan This Early
This is where most UK drivers get caught out. The 10-day AHC window sounds generous but it creates a logistical puzzle:
You cannot get the AHC more than 10 days before you enter the EU
You need an Official Veterinarian appointment — not available at every practice
OV appointments in summer are in high demand
Practical example
If you are travelling on a Saturday, your OV appointment window opens the Wednesday of the previous week at the earliest. Book your OV appointment as soon as you have confirmed your travel dates — do not leave it until the week before.
Coming Home — What You Need on the Return Journey
The return journey to the UK has its own requirements, and these catch out even experienced pet travellers.
AHC covers the return
Your AHC covers the return journey within the four-month validity window — if you are returning from the same trip within four months, you use the same certificate.
Tapeworm treatment for dogs — this is critical
For dogs returning to the UK from any EU country (other than Ireland, Finland, Malta and Norway), tapeworm treatment must be administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours (one to five days) before arriving back in Great Britain. This must be recorded in the documentation.
The timing is precise:
If your dog is treated at 1pm on Monday, you cannot return before 1pm Tuesday and must return before 1pm Saturday. If you are delayed and arrive more than 120 hours after treatment, your dog will need a new treatment before it can enter Great Britain.
This means you need to find a vet in France or Spain to administer the tapeworm treatment within the correct window before your return crossing. Plan this around your departure date — do not leave it to the last minute as finding an available vet near a ferry port on a busy Saturday morning is not easy.
The treatment targets a parasite called Echinococcus multilocularis, a tapeworm not currently found in the UK that can cause serious illness in both dogs and humans.
Cats and ferrets do not require tapeworm treatment — this requirement applies to dogs only.
At the Border
Leaving the UK (Dover / Folkestone)
French border officers will check your pet's documentation — microchip, AHC and rabies vaccination. Have all documents ready and accessible, not buried in the boot.
Returning to the UK
UK Border Force checks at Folkestone Pet Reception (Eurotunnel) or the equivalent UK port pet check facility. They will check your AHC, microchip and tapeworm treatment record for dogs. Missing or incorrectly timed tapeworm treatment is one of the most common causes of border delays.
What About the Future — Will Pet Passports Return?
Following UK government talks with the EU, the framework is there for the return of UK Pet Passports, but no timescale has yet been announced. Until that happens, the AHC remains the mandatory requirement for every trip.
Your Pre-Travel Pet Checklist
Microchip implanted and registered
Rabies vaccination valid and recorded (given at least 21 days before travel)
Official Veterinarian appointment booked — ideally 2–3 weeks before travel
AHC issued within 10 days of entering the EU
Designated travellers entry point confirmed for your destination
Tapeworm treatment planned for return journey (dogs only, 1–5 days before UK arrival)
Vet appointment booked in destination country for tapeworm treatment before return
Don't Forget the Other Pre-Travel Requirements
If your route to Spain or Portugal takes you through France, you will also need:
Crit'Air sticker — mandatory for driving in French low emission zones
Order your Crit'Air sticker — £19.95 delivered to your UK address →Travel insurance — make sure your policy covers your pet and includes missed departure cover in case of border delays
Get travel insurance from Holiday Extras →European breakdown cover — especially important when travelling with pets
FAQ
Can I still use an EU pet passport issued before April 2026?
No. EU pet passports issued before 22 April 2026 to UK residents are no longer valid for travel to the EU from that date.
Does the AHC cover multiple trips?
No — a new AHC is required for every trip to the EU. Each certificate costs around £90 per pet.
Do cats need tapeworm treatment?
No — the tapeworm treatment requirement applies only to dogs.
What if I go to France only — do I still need tapeworm treatment on return?
Yes — France is not exempt. Tapeworm treatment is required on return to the UK from any country other than Finland, Ireland, Malta and Norway.
Can my neighbour travel with my pet?
Yes, but if someone else will travel with your pet, prepare a signed owner permission letter.
Last Updated: June 2026