Feline travel to the EU – recent changes
Since the UK left the European Union (on 1st January 2021) there have been some changes to the pet travel document requirements for travel between the UK and the EU.
This largely impacts travel from Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) into Northern Ireland and the EU – as the EU no longer recognises the old UK Pet Passport as a valid entry document.
For travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland or the EU, pet owners will need to have an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), which must have been issued no more than 10 days prior to travel. This is valid for four months so can be used for travel within the EU or for a return journey. A new AHC is required for each new departure from GB.
When travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, every cat needs:
– A microchip
– a valid rabies vaccination
– an Animal Health Certificate unless you have a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland
We recommend you check the rules of the country the cat is travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel. Please note, there are different rules for transporting larger groups of pets.
For further information go to: https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-an-eu-country-or-northern-ireland
