UK Pet Owners Warned Over New EU Travel Rules as Pet Passports Become Invalid

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British pet owners planning trips to Europe are being warned of significant rule changes now in force, with officials confirming that pet passports can no longer be used for travel from Great Britain to the EU.

The update came into effect on Wednesday 22 April 2026 and affects anyone travelling with dogs, cats or ferrets from England, Scotland or Wales.

Pet Passports No Longer Accepted for EU Entry

Under the new rules, pet passports — even those issued in the EU — can no longer be used to enter EU countries from Great Britain.

Government guidance is clear:
If you attempt to travel using a pet passport, your pet may be refused entry into the EU.

This change closes a route that some UK-based travellers had been using, particularly those who obtained EU pet passports while abroad.

Animal Health Certificates Now Required

Pet owners must now obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) before travelling.

This document must be issued by a vet and:

• Must be obtained within 10 days before travel
• Is required for every trip from the UK to the EU
• Cannot be reused like a passport

While the certificate can still be used for onward travel within the EU for a limited period, a new certificate is needed each time you leave Great Britain.

EU Pet Passports Now Restricted

The rules also clarify that EU pet passports will only be issued to people who are genuinely based in the EU.

This means:

• UK residents can no longer obtain them for convenience
• Holiday homeowners or frequent travellers cannot rely on them as a workaround

However, there is one exception.

UK-based travellers can still use an EU-issued pet passport for the return journey back to Britain, provided it remains valid.

What Officials Are Saying

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has stressed that travel is still possible, but preparation is essential.

An APHA spokesperson said that “holidays with your pets are still possible”, but urged owners to check official guidance and ensure all requirements are met before travelling.

They also warned that failing to have the correct documentation could lead to delays or refusal at the border.

Additional Rules Travellers Need to Know

There are also other important requirements now being highlighted:

• If someone else is travelling with your pet, they must have written permission from the owner
• The pet and owner must travel within a five-day window of each other
• Travellers are generally limited to a maximum of five pets, unless attending a competition or event

These rules are being more clearly enforced as part of the updated guidance.

What This Means for UK Pet Owners

The biggest impact of the change is practical.

Pet travel is now:

• More expensive, due to repeat veterinary certificates
• Less flexible, as documents must be issued close to departure
• More time-sensitive, with strict validity windows

For many travellers, it removes the ability to make spontaneous trips with pets.

Bottom Line

The key message for 2026 is straightforward:

Pet passports are no longer valid for travelling from Great Britain to the EU — even if they were issued in Europe.

Anyone planning to travel must now organise an Animal Health Certificate before every trip, or risk being turned away at the border.