EU Travel – The Latest UK Guidelines on Pet Travel

This guide covers the current rules for taking pet dogs, cats and ferrets from the UK to the EU.

Since the Brexit transition ended on 1 January 2021, the UK has been classified as a Part 2 listed third country under the EU Pet Travel Scheme. That status keeps the process broadly straightforward — rabies blood tests are not required from the UK — but EU pet passports issued in the UK before Brexit are no longer valid, and have been replaced by the Animal Health Certificate.

What you need before travel

To take a pet from the UK to the EU, you will need:

1. A microchip, implanted before the rabies vaccination.
2. A current rabies vaccination, administered after the microchip and at least 21 days before travel.
3. An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian — this replaces the old EU pet passport for UK-issued documentation.
4. For Finland, Ireland, Malta and Norway only: a tapeworm treatment recorded on the AHC by a vet, given 1–5 days before arrival.

A rabies antibody blood test is not required for travel from the UK to the EU under Part 2 listed status. This was a major concern in 2020 when the UK’s post-Brexit listing was uncertain — that concern is now resolved.

The Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

The AHC must be issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) and signed within 10 days of travel. Guidance on finding an OV can be found on the UK government’s vet finder.

The AHC is valid for:

• 10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU
• Onward travel within the EU for 4 months after the date of issue
• Re-entry to Great Britain within 4 months after the date of issue

Each trip to the EU requires a fresh AHC, since the entry-validity period is only 10 days.

Arrival in the EU

You must enter the EU through a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry (TPE). There, you may need to present your pet’s original AHC alongside proof of:

• your pet’s microchip
• your pet’s rabies vaccination
• tapeworm treatment (if travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway)

Further information

For the most current government guidance on pet travel to and from the EU, visit the UK government website. Rules are reviewed periodically, so check before each trip.

For assistance with booking flights and arranging the process of your pet’s travel, contact the Airpets team.