How a New UK-EU Deal Could Simplify Pet Travel
Before Brexit, taking your pet on holiday to the EU was easy for UK residents. You just needed a pet passport and a few checks.
But things got more complicated after Brexit. Now, British travellers face more paperwork and health requirements when taking pets abroad. This includes vaccinations, certificates, and strict timelines.
How Brexit Made Pet Travel Harder
Before Brexit:
- Travelling with pets was simple.
- A pet passport was enough.
- Travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland had no restrictions.
- Pets must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies (at least 21 days before travel).
- Each trip to the EU requires a new Animal Health Certificate (AHC), costing about £200.
- Dogs must also get a tapeworm treatment 1–5 days before entering the EU or Northern Ireland.
- Travel must happen through approved entry points where documents are checked and stamped.
- The AHC is valid for 4 months, but most travellers won’t use that full time because people can only stay in the EU for 90 days.
Many pet owners say the process is confusing and full of errors, which can stop them from travelling.
Special Rules for Ireland, Finland, Malta, and Norway
If you're taking a pet to Ireland, Finland, Malta, or Norway:
- Dogs still need a tapeworm treatment given by a vet 1 to 5 days before arrival.
- This must be recorded in a health certificate or valid pet passport.
There are still no restrictions when bringing pets from Northern Ireland to Great Britain. But going the other way (to Northern Ireland) follows EU rules.
What Could Change Under the New Deal
The UK and EU are discussing a new agreement that could make pet travel easier again.
If successful, the UK might get “pet passport” status similar to EU countries, removing the need for repeated health certificates.
While there’s a small health risk with more cross-border pet travel, experts say the benefits, such as making travel easier for families and boosting tourism, make it worthwhile.
Do you need to renew your passport? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.
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And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.
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