Important Update for Clients Planning to Travel to the EU Using an EU Issued Passport
On 17th April 2026, veterinary surgeries were informed by the Government of new EU rules which come into effect on Wednesday 22nd April 2026.
These new rules mean any vet in the EU issuing an EU Pet Passport, or certifying a Rabies vaccination in an existing Passport, MUST ascertain that the owner of the pet’s main residence is in the EU as of 22nd April 2026. Vets will not be able to sign or issue Passports to owners whose main residence is in the UK.
In addition, the EU rules state that from 22nd April 2026 anyone entering the EU with an EU Pet Passport must be able to prove that they live in the EU. If they do not, they will require an AHC (Animal Health Certificate) to travel.
There has been very little information provided on how this new rule will be policed, but we would advise any clients planning to travel using an EU Pet Passport to take proof of address with them if their main residence is in the EU. For clients with a Pet Passport whose main residence is in the UK, we would advise contacting the relevant travel authority (Le Shuttle or Port Authority) for their advice well in advance of travel as it may be necessary to obtain an AHC prior to travel. These are valid for one trip to the EU and for ten days from the date of issue.
We apologise for the short notice to clients, but UK veterinary surgeries were not aware of this change until 17th April, and this is the only information we have been provided. If you are planning a trip in the immediate future and require an AHC please contact the surgery as soon as possible as these dual language certificates require an hour’s appointment to complete and can only be carried out by Official Veterinarians. We will, of course, do anything we possibly can to accommodate urgent requests due to this change of EU rules.