Pet passports no longer valid from 1 January 2021

An EU pet passport, issued to or held by a pet owner who is resident in GB, will no longer be a valid document for travelling with pets from GB to the EU. This applies to EU pet passports issued in an EU Member State or Northern Ireland, including those issued before 22 April 2026. EU pet passports may only be issued to owners whose main residence is within the European Union.

Your pet must:

• Have a functioning microchip
• Have a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel
• Enter the EU via a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry
• Have an Animal Health Certificate written in the official language of the country they will enter the EU unless you have a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland.

Dogs travelling directly to Norway, Finland, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland or Malta must be treated for tapeworm no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you arrive.

The Animal Health certificate is:

• Valid for ten days from the date of issue
• Valid for a single trip into the EU
• Valid for onward travel within the EU for four months or until the date of expiry of validity of the rabies vaccination whichever is sooner
• Valid for re-entry to Great Britain for four months after the date of issue provided rabies vaccination is kept up to date.

We suggest that you discuss your travel plans with your vet at least one month before your intended travel plans to ensure your pet is prepared for travel.

Please contact us to advise on the steps required to ensure your pet is prepared for travel and ensure you have the required appointments booked for your pet.

The best place to check for the most up to date information is on the government website, here.

Here at Chess Vets, we can support you every step of the way.

UK to EU pet travel form

We will need you to bring with you on the day of your appointment proof of rabies vaccination, and proof of identification of the pet. If you have a Pet Passport for your pet that was issued before 31/12/2020 this will suffice. If you do not have a Pet Passport for your pet then please bring your vaccination card that shows the current rabies vaccination, and a document confirming your pet has been microchipped. If you have any problems obtaining these documents please contact:

Pet Travel Scheme helpline: [email protected]
Telephone: 0370 241 1710
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm (closed on bank holidays)