Country requirements
Taking pets and animals from Great Britain to the European Union.
Status: Partly verified — some items awaiting confirmation
Last checked: 12 October 2026
These summaries are not legal advice. Each item shows whether it was verified against the official source on the date shown or is awaiting confirmation. Always check the official source and confirm with your coordinator before travel.
A new animal health certificate (AHC) is needed for each trip. It is valid for 10 days from issue for entry into the EU, then for 6 months for onward travel within the EU and for re-entry to Great Britain. Pet passports issued in Great Britain cannot be used for EU entry. Source (opens official website)
The pet must be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated against rabies, and must wait at least 21 full days after the primary vaccination before travelling. Source (opens official website)
Dogs travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway need tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours before arrival. Source (opens official website)
Pets must enter the EU through a travellers’ point of entry. No more than 5 pets may be taken to the EU in a private vehicle, or by a foot passenger, except in limited cases such as attending or training for an event. Source (opens official website)
Pets travelling from Great Britain to Northern Ireland with no onward travel to the EU or Ireland can use a free Northern Ireland pet travel document and a microchip; rabies vaccination and tapeworm treatment are then not required. Air travellers must apply at least 10 working days before travel. Source (opens official website)
Pets travelling on from Northern Ireland to the EU or Ireland follow the AHC rules above. Source (opens official website)
Commercial movements, changes of ownership and livestock exports use an export health certificate (EHC), applied for through EHC Online with a nominated official veterinarian. Exports from Northern Ireland are handled by DAERA. Source (opens official website)
Species- and destination-specific EHC conditions for livestock are confirmed per shipment. Source (opens official website)
Tell us the route, the animal and your preferred dates. A coordinator will review the details and reply with a written quotation or questions — nothing is booked until you and our team confirm.
