New EU rules for pet travel for GB residents

The government has announced that new EU rules have come into effect covering how GB residents can travel to the EU with their pets. People can still travel to the EU with their pets, but they are strongly encouraged to check the latest guidance. 

The changes, announced by the EU, apply to the non-commercial movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets entering the EU from Great Britain. 

There are no major changes to pet travel requirements for re-entry into Great Britain. 

Key updates include:

• GB residents should no longer use EU pet passports to travel into the EU 
• Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) now last longer once you arrive, but they are still single‑use 
• If someone else travels with your pet, extra paperwork is needed. If the owner is not travelling with the pet, the pet must travel within five days of the owner, and the person accompanying the animal must carry written permission from the owner. This permission must travel with the pet’s travel document 
• There is a new five‑pet limit per private vehicle

The government’s guidance to pet owners has been updated to reflect these changes. For more information, visit GOV.​UK.