14/05/2026
DOU YOU HAVE A EU PASSPORT FOR YOUR PET?
As of April 22, 2026, new EU regulations strictly limit EU pet passports to residents of the European Union, making them invalid for pet owners residing in the UK, USA, Canada, and other non-EU countries. Non-EU residents must now use an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), issued within 10 days of each trip.
Key Changes from April 22, 2026:
Residency Requirement:
EU pet passports are restricted to those with proof of residency in an EU member state.Invalidation for Non-Residents: If you reside in the UK (or other non-EU countries), your EU pet passport is no longer valid for entry into the EU, regardless of its issue date.
New Travel Documents:
UK travelers must use an Animal Health Certificate, which must be obtained from an official veterinarian before each trip into the EU.
Stricter Border Checks:
Border officials are enforcing strict checks on residency status and document validity.
Pet Limits:
Non-commercial travel is limited to a maximum of five pets per owner.
Recommendations for Travelers (As of April 2026):
Verify Requirements:
Check https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain/which-pet-travel-document for the most recent official guidance regarding pet travel from Great Britain.
Obtain an AHC:
Consult a veterinarian to obtain an Animal Health Certificate for travel if you do not have proof of EU residency.
Check Transportation Providers:
Check directly with transport operators (e.g., Eurotunnel, airlines) for their specific enforcement of these rules, as guidelines may vary slightly.
