UK Pet Passport Update 2026: What It Means for Travelling to Europe with Your Dog/Pet

If you are planning a trip to Europe with your dog this year, there has been an important change to the rules that you need to be aware of.

From 22 April 2026, the system many UK travellers relied on has changed, affecting how you prepare for every trip abroad with your pet.

The Key Change

EU pet passports are no longer valid for UK residents travelling from Great Britain into the EU.

This includes passports that were previously issued in the EU or Northern Ireland as a workaround following Brexit. These can now only be used by people who are officially resident in the EU.

For UK-based travellers, this effectively brings an end to the ability to reuse a pet passport for multiple trips.

What You Need Now: Animal Health Certificate

To travel from the UK to the EU with your dog, you must now obtain an Animal Health Certificate for each trip.

An Animal Health Certificate must be:

• Issued by an official vet within 10 days of travel
• Used for entry into the EU within that 10 day window
• Valid for onward travel within the EU for up to four months
• Valid for return to the UK within that same period

It is important to note that this certificate is single use. A new one is required every time you travel.

Ongoing Requirements

The core requirements for pet travel have not changed:

• Your dog must be microchipped
• A valid rabies vaccination is required, administered at least 21 days before travel
• Dogs must receive tapeworm treatment before returning to the UK, depending on your route

Returning to the UK

Returning to the UK remains relatively straightforward.

You can use the Animal Health Certificate issued for your trip, provided it is still within the valid timeframe. In some cases, EU-issued pet passports can still be used for entry into the UK.

Make sure tapeworm treatment is carried out within the required timeframe before re-entry.

What This Means for Travellers

For those who regularly travel to Europe with their dogs, this change introduces a few practical considerations.

You should expect additional planning before each trip, including booking vet appointments within a specific timeframe. There will also be added costs, typically ranging from £100 to £250 per trip.

Spontaneous travel becomes more difficult, as the certificate must be arranged shortly before departure.

Planning Your Trip

If you are travelling in a campervan or motorhome, preparation is now more important than ever.

From vehicle setup to managing life on the road with your dog, having everything organised in advance will make your trip far smoother.

You can read our full guide here:
Travelling Europe in a Campervan with Dogs What You Need to Know

Quick Checklist

Before you travel, make sure you have:

• Microchip details up to date
• Rabies vaccination valid and in date
• Animal Health Certificate booked within 10 days of travel
• Tapeworm treatment planned for return
• Enough time allowed for paperwork and checks

Final Thoughts

While the removal of reusable pet passports adds an extra step, travelling to Europe with your dog is still entirely achievable.

With the right preparation, you can continue to enjoy trips abroad with minimal disruption.

Taking the time to organise everything properly will ensure a smoother journey and help you avoid any issues at the border.