Overview
As of May 2025, the UK and EU have agreed on a new trade deal, and one of the big announcements is the planned return of pet passports. These are expected to replace Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) for travel to the EU and Northern Ireland. However, no official start date has been confirmed yet.
So for now, the rules remain the same.
The requirements for travelling with your dog to EU countries such as France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands changed in 2021. Pet passports issued in the UK prior to this date are no longer valid, and dog owners must now meet specific criteria. Your dog needs to:
be microchipped
have a valid rabies vaccination
be treated for tapeworm if you're travelling to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Finland, Norway or Malta
have an Animal Health Certificate
We’ll update this article as new information becomes available. But for now, if you’re planning a trip, this guide will help you understand what you need and when to take action.
Travelling with a dog to countries outside of the EU
What are animal health certificates?
How long does an animal health certificate last?
What is the cheapest animal health certificate near me?
What information is on an animal health certificate?
Timeline for going to an EU country with your dog
What else do I need to do before taking dogs abroad?
What are the main pet parasite risks in Europe?
Medically reviewed by
Published on 28/10/2022 • Reviewed on 25/04/2024