On 17 April 2026, the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) issued a briefing note to Official Veterinarians (OVs) about changes to EU pet travel rules. APHA is an executive agency sponsored by the UK Government department Defra and the Welsh and Scottish Governments.
Key messages from the briefing note:
- From today, 22 April 2026, GB residents will no longer be able to use EU-issued pet passports for pet travel to EU countries.
- Instead, pets will need an animal health certificate (AHC).
We’ve summarised the content of the APHA briefing note in this blog for our clients’ benefit. Please check with APHA for the latest authoritative information.
What does the briefing note say about changes to EU pet travel rules?
The briefing note says that EU pet passports issued to pet owners resident in GB (England, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Isle of Man) will no longer be valid for pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) travelling from GB to EU member states.
Effective today, 22 April 2026, GB residents travelling to EU should get an animal health certificate (AHC) for each pet.
Who will be affected?
This change will primarily affect GB residents with second homes in the EU who have EU-issued pet passports based on their EU address. Owners have used these passports to travel with their pets between their GB and EU homes to avoid the need to get an AHC every time.
Given the information in the briefing note, we would expect EU vets to stop issuing pet passports to GB residents.
How will the new rule be enforced?
In the briefing note, APHA says that:
- Carriers (such as ferry companies and Eurotunnel) will check that the address shown in the pet passport matches the owner’s primary residential address.
- If the address doesn’t match, the pet won’t be able to travel.
However, some carriers say they’ve not yet received instructions from APHA on how to enforce these checks. So it’s not clear how soon they will come into effect.
What pet travel documentation do I need?
If you’re travelling from GB to EU with a pet dog, cat or ferret, you need to get an animal health certificate (AHC) for each pet.
If Animalcouriers are transporting your pets for you, we can organise AHCs on your behalf.
Where can I get more information about EU pet travel rules and documents?
You can find an overview of EU pet travel rules and documentation on the Animalcouriers website: www.animalcouriers.com/pet-passports
For authoritative information about taking pets from GB to EU, see the APHA website: www.gov.uk/guidance/export-live-animals-special-rules
This blog summarises information given in APHA Briefing Note 14/26 issued to Official Veterinarians (OVs). Please check with APHA for the latest authoritative information: exports@apha.gov.uk
Interesting.
I don’t know why they make travelling more difficult for their own people. And why they expect EU vets not to give those animals an EU pet passport.
You’re so good to share timely news. Hopefully, it will continue to be smooth sailing for pet owners who like to travel between GB and the EU. Everything seems so close by plane, ferry and tunnel. I wish I lived close.