Pawsport Cancelled: Want To Travel With Your Pet? EU Travel Just Got Ruff

Last Updated:April 23, 2026, 18:38 IST

Residents of Britain can no longer use EU-issued pet passports to travel with animals into the bloc.

British pet owners hoping to holiday in Europe with their dogs and cats said that they are facing steep new costs and confusion after a rule change ended their access to the EU pet passport scheme. From Wednesday, residents of Britain can no longer use EU-issued pet passports to travel with animals into the bloc. Instead, they must obtain a new Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip, adding fresh expense and paperwork for travellers.

Several owners told the BBC they only became aware of the change days before planned departures, forcing cancellations and higher rebooking costs.

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Jane Keles, 63, said she and her husband had planned to travel next week to their mobile home in Picardy, northern France, with their two Dachshunds, Otto and Lola. After learning that their existing EU pet passports were no longer valid, the couple cancelled the trip.

“We’ve costed it all up, and it’s going to cost us all another £500 to change the booking and go in June," she told the BBC.

Keles said the new process would require £80 rabies vaccinations for each dog, plus £155 for the certificates.

“We’re going to be majorly out of pocket," she said.

The EU pet passport, still valid for EU residents, is issued by a vet and contains an animal’s microchip and vaccination details. It had previously allowed repeated travel without needing new documents for each journey.

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Mike Walton, 77, from near Manchester, said he also faced difficulties despite holding an Irish passport and spending part of the year in Portugal. Because he is resident in Britain, he no longer qualifies to use the EU pet passport scheme. He said he had been quoted around £300 for certificates for his two Bichon Frisé dogs, plus £85 each for new rabies vaccinations.

“I spoke to my vet, and they told me we don’t do health certificates," Walton told the BBC. “The other vets have said they will only do them for their own clients."

Guide Dogs for the Blind said the changes were especially difficult for assistance dog owners.

“The cost and complexity of obtaining an Animal Health Certificate for every journey has prevented many guide dog owners from being able to work, attend important events and travel independently," the charity said.

Britain’s Animal and Plant Health Agency said pet owners should check official guidance before travelling.

“From 22 April, new EU rules change how GB residents travel to the EU with their pets, but holidays with your pets are still possible," a spokesperson said.

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