Overview
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 Pet passports issued in the UK before this are no longer valid, and dog owners must now meet specific criteria.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 (AHC)
In May 2025, the UK government announced plans to bring back pet passports for travel to the EU. While there’s no confirmed start date yet, they’re expected to replace AHCs. Travel to Northern Ireland is a little different. Instead of a pet passport, you’ll need a ‘pet travel document’. You can apply for one of these online.
We’ll keep this page up to date as more information becomes available. But if you’re travelling soon, this guide will help you understand what’s currently required so you can get everything sorted ahead of time.
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 Lizzie Youens, BSc(Hons) BVSc MRCVS
Published on 28/10/2022 • Reviewed on 25/04/2024