Updates to travel rules for UK pets travelling to the EU

 

Last week the APHA informed us that the EU is updating the rules for pet travel to the EU on the 22nd April 2026. The APHA briefing note suggests that pet passports issued to GB resident owners will no longer be valid for entry into the EU and that they should use an AHC instead. They are updating the AHC templates to reflect the new rules. Further updates are expected with more details.

While technically this means all pets belonging to GB residents should enter the EU using AHCs, we have heard that the Eurotunnel and Brittany ferries are saying that EU pet passports may still be used. We have not seen anything regarding airline policies.

There may be a gap between the new rules and the implementation and enforcement of them.

What does that mean for OVs? The new advice is clear, pets travelling from the UK to the EU should use an AHC. If a pet owner wants to travel with an existing EU pet passport then it is up to them to check with the transport company (ferry/ train/ plane) and the requirements of the country they are visiting to ensure they have up to date advice.

We will be reading any updates and updating OVForm to reflect the new templates as soon as they become available.