Taking your dog, cat, or ferret from Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) to the EU or Northern Ireland changed significantly after Brexit. Old GB-issued pet passports are no longer valid for travel to the EU. This guide covers the exact 2026 requirements, expected costs, and timelines to prevent your pet from being turned away at the border.
The Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
To enter the EU, your pet needs an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV). Key rules:
- Validity: An AHC must be issued within 10 days of your departure date.
- Lifespan: It is valid for 4 months of onward travel within the EU, and re-entry to GB within that 4-month period.
- Single Use: Unlike a passport, an AHC is valid for a single trip only. You need a new one every time you travel.
- Cost (2026): Varies widely by practice, typically ranging from £100 to £350 for the first pet. Additional pets on the same AHC cost around £50–£100 each.
The 4 Medical Requirements
1. Microchip
Your pet must have an ISO-compliant (15-digit) microchip. Crucially, the microchip must be implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination.
2. Rabies Vaccination
- Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old to receive the jab.
- You must wait at least 21 days after the primary vaccination before the AHC can be issued or travel can commence.
- Boosters (typically every 3 years in the UK) do not require a 21-day wait, provided there was no lapse in coverage.
- Cost: ~£40–£70
3. Tapeworm Treatment (Returning to GB)
Before returning to GB (unless travelling directly from Ireland, Finland, Norway, or Malta), your dog must be treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) containing Praziquantel.
- Must be administered by a vet not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours (1–5 days) before your scheduled arrival in GB.
- The EU vet must record this on your AHC.
- Cost in EU: typically €30–€50
Note: If you are travelling TO Ireland, Finland, Malta, or Norway, you need the tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before ARRIVING in that country.
4. Travelling with the Owner
You must travel with your pet, or within 5 days of your pet’s journey. You must enter the EU through a designated Traveller’s Point of Entry (TPE).
Northern Ireland: The New PTD (June 2025 onwards)
The rules for travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland have been simplified. GB residents not travelling onwards to the Republic of Ireland can use the new Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document (PTD).
- The PTD is free and lifelong.
- It replaces the need for an AHC, rabies vaccination, and tapeworm treatment for this specific route.
- Your pet still requires a microchip.
- Warning: If you cross the border into the Republic of Ireland (an EU country), the PTD is invalid. You will need a full AHC and Rabies vaccination.
FAQs
Can I still use an EU Pet Passport?
Yes, but only if it was issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland, and the rabies vaccination recorded inside is still valid and was administered by an EU/NI vet. GB vets cannot update EU passports with rabies vaccinations. If an EU passport expires regarding rabies, you must get an AHC to travel, but you can get a new rabies jab and updated passport while in the EU for future trips.
Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Jenkins, MRCVS
Dr. Jenkins is a fully practicing veterinary surgeon in the UK with over 15 years of clinical experience in small animal medicine and canine behaviour. She reviews and verifies our health content to ensure medical accuracy.
