APHA Briefing Note 14/26Change to Pet Travel Rules and Animal Health CertificatesDate issued:

17 April 2026Purpose: 

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1. To inform Official Veterinarians (OV) who hold Official Controls Qualification (Veterinary) (OCQ(V)) – CA (Companion Animals) or SX (Small Animal Exports) ofchanges to procedures for Pet Travel rules and Animal Health Certificate templates for pet owners travelling to the European Union (EU) with pet dogs, cats and ferrets.

 

2. The changes to the Pet Travel rules take effect from Wednesday 22 April 2026.Background

 

3. From 22 April 2026, new EU rules will apply to the non‑commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets entering the EU from third countries such as Great Britain(GB). Pet owners are advised to check the entry requirements with the relevant authority in the destination country before travel.

 

4. An EU pet passport, issued to or held by a pet owner who is resident in GB, will no longer be a valid document for travelling with pets from GB to the EU. This applies to EU pet passports issued in an EU Member State or Northern Ireland, including those issued before 22 April 2026. EU pet passports may only be issued to owners whose main residence is within the European Union.

5. GB residents travelling to the EU with a pet dog, cat or ferret will need to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for travel from 22 April 2026.

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6. There are no changes to GB entry requirements.

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7. More detailed guidance on the changes coming into effect from 22 April 2026 will be published on GOV.UK