After a few days of confusion, mixed messaging, and plenty of “I heard this…” chatter, things have finally settled. Here’s a clear, no-nonsense Pet Travel Update breakdown of the new rules for travelling from Great Britain to the EU with your pets this summer — whether you’re driving yourself or using a transport service. Things that were simple to bring your dogs across, now are more tricky, thanks to the new rules and paperwork.
🇪🇺 The Official Line: UK Government Update
As of 22 April 2026, new EU rules are in force for the non-commercial movement of dogs, cats, and ferrets from Great Britain into the EU.
The key takeaway?
👉 You can still travel with your pets — but the paperwork has changed.
🔑 Key Changes
1. EU Pet Passports (for GB residents) are no longer valid for outbound travel
Even if your pet has an EU-issued passport from years ago, GB residents should no longer use these to enter the EU.
They are now intended only for people whose main residence is in the EU.
2. You now need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
For every trip from Great Britain to the EU, you’ll need:
- A new Animal Health Certificate
- Issued by an official vet
- Within 10 days of travel
3. AHCs now last longer (once you’re in the EU)
Good news:
- Valid for up to 6 months for travel within the EU
- Can also be used for re-entry into Great Britain
- As long as rabies vaccinations remain valid
👉 Important: It’s still single-use for entry into the EU, so you’ll need a new one for each trip.
4. Returning to the UK is unchanged
You can still use:
- Your EU pet passport (if you have one), or
- Your AHC
5. Travelling without your pet (or using a transporter)
Additional rules apply:
- Pet must travel within 5 days of the owner
- The person transporting the pet must carry written authorisation
6. New limit: 5 pets per vehicle
- Now applies per vehicle, not per person
- Still 5 pets per person if travelling on foot
- Exceptions apply for competitions/events (with conditions)
🚆 Eurotunnel (LeShuttle): Change of Position
Initially, Eurotunnel suggested they wouldn’t enforce residency rules — but that has now changed.
Current Position:
- EU pet passports are not accepted for GB → EU travel
- Animal Health Certificates are required
👉 However, a crucial detail often missed:
If you are an EU resident (for example, holding residency in Spain), you can still legally use an EU pet passport.
Residency is key.
⛴️ Ferry Operators: Where They Stand
Irish Ferries
- GB residents must use an AHC
- EU pet passports no longer valid for entry into the EU
- (Still valid for returning to the UK, though not clearly explained)
P&O Ferries
Very clear and strict:
- AHC required for all GB residents travelling to the EU
- Must be issued within 10 days
- Pets must be microchipped and rabies vaccinated
- No valid AHC = refused travel
DFDS
- No detailed update
- Directs customers to follow UK Government guidance
👉 In practice: this means using an AHC
Brittany Ferries
A bit uncertain:
- Currently may still accept EU pet passports from GB residents
- But this is described as temporary
👉 Translation: don’t rely on this — get an AHC.
Stena Line
- No official update yet regarding the April 2026 changes
🐾 What You Should Do (Simple Advice)
If you are a GB resident travelling this summer:
- ✔️ Get an Animal Health Certificate for every trip
- ✔️ Don’t rely on old EU pet passports
- ✔️ Check entry requirements for your specific EU destination
- ✔️ If using a transporter, make sure they fully understand the new rules
☀️ Final Word
The rules haven’t stopped pet travel — they’ve just made it more bureaucratic.
The biggest mistake people will make?
👉 Turning up at the port without the correct paperwork, assuming it’ll be fine.
It won’t be.
Get it right, and your journey will be smooth. This is the link to the OFFICIAL APHA publication, to read up on.
The Government’s guidance to pet owners has been updated to reflect these changes. For more information, visit:
- Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad: Travelling to an EU country
- Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad: Pet passport
- Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad: Getting an animal health certificate
- Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain: What you need to do
Get it wrong, and you risk delays, refusal to travel, and a very stressful start to your trip — for both you and your pet.
