People traveling from the UK to Europe are facing a significant passport change starting on Wednesday, April 22. Due to a post-Brexit adjustment, current documents will become invalid, impacting those accompanied by pets.
Previously, individuals traveling with pets could utilize an EU Pet Passport for various modes of transportation. However, the enforcement of EU Regulation 2016/429, also known as the Animal Health Law, brings about a mandatory shift this week after a decade-long transition period.
Effective immediately, anyone journeying to Europe with a pet must possess an Animal Health Certificate. This new requirement entails a veterinary examination within 10 days before departure, obtaining a fresh certificate for each trip, and a fee of £90 per pet.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) issued Briefing Note 14/26 on April 17, 2026, marking a pivotal change in pet travel regulations. This adjustment closes the previous loophole where Great Britain residents could bypass the cost of Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) by utilizing EU-issued pet passports.
According to a spokesperson, EU pet passports held by GB residents will no longer serve as valid travel documents from GB to the EU, irrespective of issuance before April 22, 2026. These passports are now exclusive to European Union residents.
Residents of Great Britain are now obliged to acquire an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every EU trip, rendering EU pet passports from Northern Ireland also invalid if the owner resides in GB.
The APHA is in the process of updating AHC forms to comply with new EU regulations. During this transition phase, older AHC templates will still be accepted for EU travel, with no alterations to the current pet entry requirements for GB. Valid EU pet passports or AHCs are still permissible for reentry into the UK.
For canines, the necessity of a vet-administered tapeworm treatment between 24 and 120 hours before returning to GB remains unchanged. It is recommended to promptly arrange an AHC through your veterinarian as pet passports will no longer suffice for UK residents at border crossings post the specified date.
New regulations on the transportation of dogs, cats, and ferrets are outlined in a January 2026 EU directive set to take effect on April 22.