Pet passports no longer valid from 1 January 2021
You can no longer use a pet passport issued in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) for travel to an EU country or Northern Ireland. You can still use a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland.
Instead, pets travelling from Great Britain to an EU country or Northern Ireland will need an Animal Health Certificate (up to five pets on one certificate).
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 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.
Our Leadon Vale Veterinary Centre practice in Ledbury, in Herefordshire, can support you every step of the way.
