Travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland
Finally as restrictions are lifted we are able to start going abroad! However Post-Brexit has changed how pets are allowed to travel. For full details visit: https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad .
Pet Passports issued in Great Britain are no longer used to travel from Great Britain to EU countries or Northern Ireland. Pet Passports issued from the EU or Northern Ireland can still be used for travel.
When travelling your pet needs:
- A microchip placed or read before any rabies vaccination
- A valid rabies vaccination at least 21 days before certification (pet to be at least 12 weeks of age)
- An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) to be obtained no more than 10 days before travel, unless you have a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland
- Vet approved tapeworm treatment (especially if travelling directly to Finland, Northern Ireland, Ireland or Malta)
You must go through a travellers’ point of entry when you arrive in an EU Country or Northern Ireland. For a list of these use the link: https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/movement-pets/travellers-points-entry_en .
Each separate trip will require a new AHC.
Animal Health Certificates
To get a certificate issued for your pet please phone the surgery to book an appointment. The appointment must be with one of our Official Veterinarians. We will need to know which country you are travelling to as each country has a specific AHC. We know the AHC needs to be within 10 days but we would appreciate as much notice as possible, so please avoid last minute bookings, as we cannot guarantee these will be available.
The Official Veterinarian will require proof of microchipping date and rabies vaccination history.
The AHC will be valid after the date of issue for:
- 10 days entry into the EU or Northern Ireland
- 4 months onward travel within the EU
- 4 months for re-entry into Great Britain
Travelling into Great Britain
EU issued pet passports are still valid for re-entry into Great Britain. Pets must be:
- Microchipped
- Vaccinated against rabies (from at least 12 weeks of age)
- Travellers from the EU must wait 21 days after first vaccination before entering Great Britain
- Booster rabies vaccines must be within date. Please note UK vets are no longer authorised to complete EU passports, therefore if a booster is due in a passport it will need to be done in EU country before travel
- Vet approved tapeworm treatment to be given no less than 24hrs and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before entering Great Britain (especially if travelling directly from Finland, Northern Ireland, Ireland or Malta)
Please Note
These factsheets are provided as guidelines only. If you are at all concerned about the wellbeing of your pet then please call Hope Veterinary Surgery immediately by using our phone number 01782 657788.
