Pet travel rules: taking a dog or cat in and out of countries

Rules change. Entry rules for pets are set by each country and can change at short notice. This page was checked on 20 October 2026. Charter-A confirms the rules for your exact route and dates when you book, and you should always check the official source linked on the page.

Choose your destination

• EU member states
• France
• Spain
• Italy
• Portugal
• Ireland
• Finland
• Northern Ireland
• Switzerland
• Jersey
• Guernsey
• Isle of Man
• USA
• Canada
• UAE
• Turkey

Greece, Malta, Norway, Monaco: we could not confirm these countries' own rules from official sources yet. Greece and Malta follow the EU rules on the EU page. For any of them, tell us your route and we confirm what applies.

Other situations

• Rest of the world
• Other 'listed' countries
• 'Not listed' countries
• Other EU states: Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Cyprus and more
• Day trips and short hops (under 24 hours or 5 days)
• Private boats and yachts

How the rules work - read this first

Each country sets its own rules for pets coming in. Great Britain sets the rules for pets coming back. The building blocks are similar everywhere, but the paperwork, timings and arrival airports differ, and the rules were reshuffled in 2026.

• Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) must normally travel with their owner. A person the owner authorises in writing can bring the pet if they travel within 5 days before or after the owner (GB and EU rules).
• Almost every route needs: a microchip first, then a rabies vaccination, a wait of at least 21 full days, an official vet's certificate, and (dogs, to some countries) a tapeworm treatment.
• 22 April 2026: new EU rules started. People living in England, Scotland or Wales can no longer use an EU pet passport to enter the EU. They need a GB-issued animal health certificate (AHC) for each trip. From 1 October 2026 only the new AHC template is allowed.
• Coming back into Great Britain, the document depends on where the pet is returning from: EU and other 'Part 1' listed countries, 'Part 2' listed countries (such as the USA, UAE, Canada) or 'not listed' countries (such as Turkey).
• On a private charter into Great Britain, the carrier and the arrival airport must both appear on APHA's approved list. This is the main reason the charter team needs early notice.
• Lists and rules change often. The GB approved-routes publication logged about 40 updates between January and 9 October 2026, roughly 20 of them since June.
• Always confirm with the official source before you travel. Nothing on this site replaces the destination country's own rules or your vet's advice.

Common mistakesPreparing the outbound trip only, and leaving the return paperwork until the pet is already abroad. Relying on last year's advice (EU pet passports for GB residents, 4-month AHCs and the old AHC template are all out of date). Booking an aircraft or airport before checking it is allowed for pets at the destination.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK news - New EU rules for pet travel for GB residents (published 21 Apr 2026) · GOV.UK - Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers (APHA) (updated 1 Oct 2026) · GOV.UK - Pet travel: approved air, sea and rail carriers and routes (APHA/Defra) (updated 9 Oct 2026) · European Commission - Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country (Delegated Reg. (EU) 2026/131)

Coming home: the same pet leaving and re-entering the UK

Plan the return before you go out. What the pet needs to re-enter Great Britain depends on where it is coming back from, not where it left from.

• From the EU (and Part 1 countries): the AHC issued in Great Britain can be used for re-entry for 6 months from issue (carrier guidance also says the pet's rabies vaccination must still be in date). If you stay longer, you need a GB pet health certificate.
• From Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man: no document needed.
• From the USA, UAE, Canada and other Part 2 countries: a GB pet health certificate is required (not the AHC, not a pet passport). It is signed by an official vet there and valid for entry within 10 days.
• From unlisted countries (such as Turkey): GB pet health certificate plus rabies blood test evidence; the 3-month wait is waived if the blood test was done before leaving Great Britain or the EU.
• Dogs: tapeworm treatment 24 hours to 5 days before arrival in Great Britain (not from Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta or Norway). Short trips under 5 days: treat before you go, within the 24h-120h window.
• If the rabies vaccination runs out during the trip, the AHC cannot be used for onward travel or re-entry. Check the booster date before you leave.
• Sign the declaration again. Carry the originals of everything.
• Use an approved route to come back. On a charter, check the carrier and arrival airport against the list again.
• Avoid long stays: rabies booster, AHC validity and the 10-day certificate windows can all lapse.

Common mistakesLeaving the return GB pet health certificate for the last day. Foreign vets often need to contact their government for the right form and endorsement. Rabies booster falling due while abroad. Tapeworm treatment given in the UK before a long trip. It must be given abroad in the window before re-entry (unless the trip is short).

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Bring your pet to Great Britain (full printable guide) · GOV.UK - Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers (APHA) (updated 1 Oct 2026) · GOV.UK - Getting an animal health certificate (leaving GB for the EU) · GOV.UK - Tapeworm treatment for dogs (entering GB) · GOV.UK - Pet travel: apply for a Great Britain pet health certificate (last updated 16 Mar 2023)

Private aviation: pets in the cabin

On an approved private charter the pet travels in the cabin with the owner, not in a cargo hold. There is no official rule on seats and carriers for private jets - that is down to the carrier.

• GOV.UK: pets have to travel as cargo unless the owner is flying on a chartered private plane. The APHA list separates commercial airlines (pets in the hold) from charter carriers (pets carried in the aircraft itself, not in the hold).
• The EU's own FAQ says air travel stays non-commercial even if airline rules put the dog in the hold, as long as the owner or an authorised person is on the same flight and responsible for the animal.
• Seat, carrier and restraint rules on private jets are not set by an official body that we found (not yet confirmed: ). They are decided by the carrier and the pilot in command.
• IATA's guidance for air travel: a container must let the animal turn, stand, sit upright and lie naturally; weaned puppies or kittens from the same litter can share a container (max 3); adults up to 14 kg each can share if compatible; animals over 14 kg travel alone. Snub-nosed breeds need a container 10% larger.
• IATA also says to reconfirm with the carrier about 48 hours before departure.
• If an owner pays someone to travel with the pet (a pet transport service or courier), GOV.UK says they must meet the animal-welfare-in-transport requirements and hold the right documentation. Jersey's guidance says an owner accompanying the pet on a private journey needs no transport welfare authorisation (stated for Jersey; UK-wide position Not yet confirmed: ).

Common mistakesAssuming a pet may sit loose on a seat. Ask the carrier about their carrier policy before booking. Using a carrier that is too small for the animal to stand and turn in.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Travel routes for pets · GOV.UK - Pet travel: airlines and airports you can use (includes the charter section) (updated 9 Oct 2026) · European Commission - Pet movement FAQs · IATA - Travelling with pets (Live Animals Regulations summary) · Government of Jersey - Travelling with dogs, cats or ferrets between Jersey and the UK, Isle of Man and other Channel Islands · GOV.UK - Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers (APHA) (updated 1 Oct 2026)

Private aviation: flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds

We found no official UK or EU rule banning flat-faced breeds from private flights. Industry guidance cautions about them, especially in hot weather.

• IATA: shipping snub-nosed dogs such as boxers, pugs, bulldogs and Pekingese in the hot season is not recommended, and they need a container 10% larger.
• Not yet confirmed: whether UK vets' bodies or any government publish a formal 'fit to fly' standard for flat-faced pets on private aircraft. Ask your own vet for an individual airway assessment before you book.
• Ask the charter carrier for their policy on flat-faced breeds, cabin temperature and any minimum notice.
• Avoid hot-weather travel, keep the journey short, and avoid sedation unless your vet specifically advises it (see the sedation section).

Common mistakesBooking a hot-weather flight for a flat-faced dog without a vet check. Choosing a standard-size carrier.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): IATA - Travelling with pets (Live Animals Regulations summary)

Private aviation: puppy and kitten minimum ages

No pet can fly internationally until its rabies vaccination is valid. In practice that means about 15 weeks old for most trips, and 6 months for the USA.

• Rabies vaccination can only be given from 12 weeks old (GB, EU, Switzerland, UAE). The wait of at least 21 full days follows. So the earliest age for the EU or GB is about 15 weeks (derived from the rules above).
• Some vaccines need longer: Canvac R - 17 weeks; Canvac DHPPiL+R (dogs) - 21 weeks (GOV.UK).
• EU: young animals (under 12 weeks, or 12-16 weeks and not yet protected) are not permitted to enter the EU from a non-EU country for any purpose. Within the EU, only some countries accept them.
• USA (CDC): a dog must be at least 6 months old. Cats: no age rule found in the pages read.
• UAE: minimum age from a low-risk country is 12 weeks, and the first rabies vaccination cannot be before 12 weeks.
• Canada: dogs and cats under 3 months have no rabies requirement. Switzerland: puppies up to 16 weeks can come from a low-risk country with an owner declaration.
• Jersey and Guernsey: 8 weeks minimum to fly. France: a dog from a third country must have at least one adult tooth.
• A good rule: do not plan to take a puppy or kitten under 15-16 weeks abroad.

Common mistakesAssuming a young puppy can travel with a health certificate and no rabies vaccination. It cannot, except in very limited cases inside the EU.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Rabies vaccination and boosters · European Commission - Young animals · European Commission - Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country (Delegated Reg. (EU) 2026/131) · CDC - Requirements: dogs only in rabies-free or low-risk countries (page dated 22 Jul 2024) · UAE MOCCAE - Import of pets (cats / dogs) service page · CFIA - Import Reference Document (cats, dogs, ferrets) · Swiss FSVO/BLV - Travelling with dogs, cats and ferrets · Government of Jersey - Travelling with dogs, cats or ferrets between Jersey and the UK, Isle of Man and other Channel Islands · States of Guernsey - Pet Movements · French Ministry of Agriculture - Information note: import of pets into the EU from third countries (updated June 2026)

Private aviation: sedating your pet

Official and industry guidance is consistent: do not sedate a healthy pet for air travel unless a vet specifically advises it.

• Switzerland (FSVO): it is generally not necessary to sedate pets, because sedatives can cause loss of muscle strength and suppress thirst. It suggests calming pheromones for nervous animals.
• Portugal (DGAV): sedatives should not be used on animals being transported unless strictly necessary for their welfare and only under veterinary control; sedation of healthy animals is discouraged on air journeys. It cites Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005.
• IATA: not to sedate or tranquilise pets in transit; where a vet does use sedation, the drug, timing and dosage should be recorded on the health certificate.
• Speak to your vet well before the trip about travel anxiety, motion sickness and calming options.

Common mistakesGiving a human or leftover sedative the night before the flight. Not telling the vet the pet will be flying.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): Swiss FSVO/BLV - Preparing to travel with pets (incl. flying and sedation) · Portuguese DGAV - Travelling with pets (sedation warning) · IATA - Travelling with pets (Live Animals Regulations summary)

Private aviation: handling, customs and why you must tell us early

Pets are checked at designated points, with limited opening hours, so the charter team needs to build the flight around the pet's paperwork - not the other way round.

• GB arrival: the aircraft carrier and airport must be on the APHA list; checks are done by an APHA-authorised carrier or checker; customs clearance is needed before the pet is collected.
• EU arrival: the pet must enter through a designated travellers' point of entry; small private airfields are often not on the list. Italy, Spain, Portugal and Ireland publish their lists. Portugal's Lisbon and Porto points are closed overnight.
• Ireland: advance notice and a compliance check. Northern Ireland: 10 working days' notice for an air arrival. Switzerland: always an entry check. UAE: permit before travel. USA: dog form before travel.
• Documents travel as originals - not photocopies. The Irish authorities require original paperwork to accompany the pet, and GB does not accept electronically signed certificates.
• The owner must travel with the pet. If someone else brings the pet, it must be within 5 days before or after the owner, with a signed declaration.
• Keep the pet's passport, AHC, GB pet health certificate, declaration and vaccination record in one folder in your hand luggage, not in the hold.
• Tell the charter team as soon as you know you will take a pet: number of pets, species, breed, weight, age, route, and the airports you want. Changes to the airport or timing can invalidate the tapeworm window, the 10-day certificate or the arrival booking.

Common mistakesArriving on a night flight into an airport whose pet-checking point is closed. Changing the arrival airport on the day without checking the pet is permitted there. Leaving the original paperwork in a checked bag.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Pet travel: approved air, sea and rail carriers and routes (APHA/Defra) (updated 9 Oct 2026) · GOV.UK - Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers (APHA) (updated 1 Oct 2026) · European Commission - Travellers' points of entry (links to each country's list) · Italian Ministry of Health - List of travellers' points of entry (PDF) (updated Sep 2026) · MAPA - List of travellers' points of entry for pets (PDF) (page labels it 21.05.2026) · Portuguese DGAV - Entering Portugal from a non-EU country (includes the UK) · Irish Dept of Agriculture (gov.ie) - Pet Travel (incl. private aircraft/yacht section) (last updated 5 Aug 2026) · DAERA (Northern Ireland) - Travelling with pets (last updated 25 Jun 2026) · Swiss FSVO/BLV - Travelling with dogs, cats and ferrets · UAE MOCCAE - Import of pets (cats / dogs) service page · CDC - Requirements: dogs only in rabies-free or low-risk countries (page dated 22 Jul 2024) · GOV.UK - Bring your pet to Great Britain (full printable guide)

Timeline: what to do and when

A typical UK-to-EU return trip for a dog. Add 4+ months if a blood test is needed, and check each destination's own timings.

1. 4+ months before: tell the charter team. Confirm the destination, the airports and that the carrier is approved. Check breed rules at the destination. If the destination is not on the GOV.UK 'listed' table (for example Turkey), plan the rabies blood test now (at least 30 days after the vaccine, then wait 3 months).
2. Not before 12 weeks old: microchip, then rabies vaccination. Check the vaccine's own waiting time and add the 21 days. Never travel before this is complete.
3. 6-8 weeks before: book your official vet (OV). Apply for permits and export certificates that need time: UAE import permit, EHC for non-EU countries (the vet receives it 7 working days ahead), Northern Ireland notification (10 working days), Ireland advance notice, CDC dog form.
4. 3 weeks before: confirm the rabies vaccination is in date for the whole trip (booster due date). Charter team confirms airport, opening hours and handling. Check the passport/certificate wording.
5. 1 week before: book the AHC appointment so that issue date is no more than 10 days before entering the EU (day 1 is the issue date). Book the tapeworm treatment if the country needs it (24-120 hours before entry). Arrange the vet abroad for the return paperwork.
6. 48 hours before: re-check the weather and flight timing. Check the pet is well. Prepare the carrier, water, food, a familiar blanket. No sedation unless your vet says so.
7. Day of travel: have all originals in hand luggage. Dogs: confirm tapeworm treatment time is inside the window. Microchip scanned if asked. Declaration signed. Allow time for the arrival checks.
8. On the return: vet visit abroad for GB pet health certificate (non-EU) or tapeworm treatment (dogs) in the 24-120 hour window before entering Great Britain. Check the charter airport is on the list again.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Bring your pet to Great Britain (full printable guide) · GOV.UK - Getting an animal health certificate (leaving GB for the EU) · GOV.UK - Tapeworm treatment for dogs (entering GB) · GOV.UK - Blood tests for rabies · GOV.UK - Get an export health certificate · DAERA (Northern Ireland) - Travelling with pets (last updated 25 Jun 2026) · Irish Dept of Agriculture (gov.ie) - Pet Travel (incl. private aircraft/yacht section) (last updated 5 Aug 2026)

Documents checklist

Originals only. Keep them together in your hand luggage.

• Your own photo ID and the pet's microchip number written on every document.
• Pet passport (EU residents) or GB-issued animal health certificate (AHC) for the EU trip; or UK export health certificate for non-EU countries; or Northern Ireland pet travel document.
• Rabies vaccination record (microchip date before vaccine date; vaccine name, batch, valid-from and valid-until dates; vet's signature).
• Rabies blood test result (if required for unlisted countries).
• Tapeworm treatment record for dogs (product, date AND time, stamp and signature) where required.
• Signed pet travel declaration (not selling or rehoming).
• Written authorisation and proof of travel dates if someone else travels with the pet.
• Import permit, CDC dog import receipt, or advance notice confirmation, where the destination requires one.
• For the return: GB pet health certificate (Part 2 or unlisted countries) or in-date AHC (EU/Part 1), plus tapeworm record.
• Breed documents if needed (Certificate of Exemption for banned breeds; pedigree papers for French category 2 dogs).
• Vet's fit-to-travel letter if the carrier or airline asks for one.
• ISO microchip reader if the chip is not ISO 11784/11785.
• Contact numbers: your vet, APHA Pet Travel helpline 03000 200 301, the destination's veterinary authority.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Bring your pet to Great Britain (full printable guide) · GOV.UK - Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad (full printable guide) · GOV.UK - Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers (APHA) (updated 1 Oct 2026) · GOV.UK - Pet travel declaration for the non-commercial movement of animals (last updated 1 Sep 2016)

Common questions

Quick answers. Each links back to the official rule above.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Bring your pet to Great Britain (full printable guide) · GOV.UK - Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad (full printable guide) · UAE MOCCAE - Import of pets (cats / dogs) service page · CDC - Dog importation FAQs (reviewed 27 Aug 2026) · European Commission - Pet movement FAQs · GOV.UK - Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers (APHA) (updated 1 Oct 2026) · IATA - Travelling with pets (Live Animals Regulations summary) · Swiss FSVO/BLV - Preparing to travel with pets (incl. flying and sedation) · Portuguese DGAV - Travelling with pets (sedation warning)