Do I need a pet passport?
Key points
You’ll need an animal health certificate (AHC) if you’re taking your pet into an EU country
Pet passports are no longer valid for visiting the EU from Great Britain (apart from for residents of Northern Ireland)
An official veterinarian can issue an AHC and costs can vary
You’ll need to prove your pet is microchipped and its vaccinations are up to date
Some countries will require extra vaccinations or requirements
What's a pet passport?
A pet passport is a document that allows animals, including cats and dogs, to travel across different countries in Europe without having to quarantine.
It shows your pet’s vaccinations and the details about their microchip. It was previously used by pet owners leaving and entering Britain from the European Union, but in April 2026 the rules changed.
Now, pet passports can only be issued to people who have their main home in the EU or for residents of Northern Ireland.
Pet owners from any other part of the UK must now get an animal health certificate (AHC) instead when they take their pet out of the UK into the EU.
What's the difference between a pet passport and an AHC?
A pet passport and an AHC both allow you to take your pet with you when you’re travelling out of Britain into Europe, however there are some key differences between them.
Pet passports
If you have a pet passport, it lasts for your pet’s lifetime as long as you keep up-to-date with any required vaccinations, such as for rabies. However, since the rules changed, pet passports issued before 22 April 2026 may not be valid for people not living in the EU.
Animal health certificates (AHC)
An AHC must be obtained if you’re from Britain and taking your pet out of the country and into Europe. You’ll need to get a separate AHC for every trip you make and when you arrive in the European country, it is valid for six months as long as your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date. You can add up to five pets to one AHC.
Can I take my dog or cat into Europe from the UK?
Yes, you can take your dog or cat into Europe from the UK as long as you have the required documents and vaccinations.
You’ll need an AHC for your pet and this needs to be issued by a vet within 10 days of you travelling.
There are different rules for pets depending on how you’re travelling so always check with your travel operator first.
How do I get an animal health certificate and how long is it valid for?
You can get an AHC from an official veterinarian (OV). If your usual vet is not able to issue them, they should be able to help you to find someone who can.
When you get the AHC you’ll need to show proof that your pet is microchipped, and bring details of their vaccinations. The vet will check your pet’s microchip and will want to see proof it has had a rabies vaccination which has been administered at least 21 days before the appointment (unless it is a booster vaccination).
Your pet needs to be at least 12 weeks old and will also need to come to the appointment. After the AHC is issued you have 10 days to travel into Europe. It’s then valid for six months of onward travel and for coming back into Britain.
How much does an AHC cost?
There is no set fee for an AHC so the amount you pay depends on how much the OV charges. However, on average it is between £100 and £250, with costs rising if you have more pets to add.
Are there any medical requirements when travelling with my pet?
Yes, there are medical requirements for getting an AHC and travelling with your pet. These include:
Microchipping: your pet must have a microchip and the number will be shown on the AHC.
Rabies: your pet needs to have an up-to-date rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before your appointment to get an AHC (unless it’s a booster and previous vaccinations have been kept up to date)
Tapeworm: if you’re taking your dog with you, they will need a tapeworm treatment given between 24 hours and 120 hours before you travel to certain countries including Finland, UK, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland, or Norway.
What are the requirements when travelling outside of Europe?
There are different rules when travelling with pets for different countries. You may need additional paperwork, for example, or vaccinations.
Before you travel, check the requirements of the country, or countries, you’re visiting. The requirements can also change depending on how you’re travelling so always ask your travel operators too.
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