From Wednesday, 22 April, new European Union (EU) regulations will come into force as part of a sweeping overhaul of passport rules for thousands of passengers. This will mean that people travelling in certain ways will find the process considerably more difficult and costly.

The new rules govern how British residents may travel to the EU with their pets. People can still take their pets to the EU, but they are strongly encouraged to check the latest guidance. From today, if you wish to travel with your pet, you'll need new documentation, including a certificate, or you may have to return home.

The changes, announced by the EU, apply to the non-commercial movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets entering the EU from Great Britain. There are no significant changes to pet travel requirements for re-entry into Great Britain.

British residents should no longer use EU pet passports when travelling to the EU. EU pet passports may now only be issued to those whose primary residence is within the EU and should not be used by people who own holiday homes in the EU or visit on a seasonal basis.

EU pet passports issued to residents of Great Britain prior to 22 April, 2026, may no longer constitute valid documents for entry to the EU. This means British residents - even those who already hold an EU pet passport - may require an alternative document to take their pet into the EU, reports the Mirror.

To ensure hassle-free travel, owners resident in Great Britain should obtain an Animal Health Certificate for their dog, cat or ferret(s) if travelling from Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) to an EU member state.

An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is the official veterinary documentation mandated since January 2021 for transporting a pet dog, cat, or ferret from Great Britain to the EU or Northern Ireland. It superseded the previous UK-issued 'Pet Passport' following Brexit.

AHCs for pets journeying from the UK to the EU typically range from £99 to exceeding £250 per certificate. Costs can differ considerably depending on the veterinary practice.

Individual Member States may impose specific pet travel requirements, and pet owners should always verify the destination nation's entry requirements before departure. British residents can still utilise EU pet passports for their return journey to Great Britain. AHCs now remain valid for longer upon arrival, though they remain singleuse.

While you still require a fresh AHC for each journey from Great Britain to the EU, the certificate can now be utilised for up to six months for subsequent travel within the EU. It can also be employed for reentering Great Britain, provided rabies vaccinations remain current.

If another person travels with your pet, additional documentation is necessary. If the owner is not accompanying the pet, the pet must travel within five days of the owner, and the individual escorting the animal must possess written authorisation from the owner.

This authorisation must accompany the pet's travel documentation. A new five-pet limit per private vehicle has been introduced. Non-commercial travel into the EU is now restricted to a maximum of five pets per private vehicle, rather than five per person.

The existing limit of five pets per person travelling on foot remains unchanged. Exceptions apply to pets travelling to competitions, events, or training, provided specific conditions are met.

An Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) spokesperson said: "From 22 April, new EU rules change how GB residents travel to the EU with their pets, but holidays with your pets are still possible. Anyone planning to travel should check guidance on GOV.UK, and the entry rules for their destination.

"To avoid delays and ensure a smooth journey, pet owners residing in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate if they're travelling from Great Britain to an EU country."

The Government's guidance for pet owners has been revised to reflect these modifications. 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