Bringing your pet into Great Britain

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.

Entering Great Britain: the basics

These steps apply to pet dogs, cats and ferrets entering England, Scotland or Wales from any country. Northern Ireland has its own rules.

1. Route: use an approved route. This is not needed from Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. On a private charter, the carrier and airport must be on the APHA list (see the private charter section).
2. Microchip: it must be fitted before, or at the same time as, the rabies vaccination. If not, the pet must be vaccinated again.
3. Rabies vaccination: the vet needs proof the pet is at least 12 weeks old. Wait at least 21 full days after the first vaccination (day 1 is the day after the jab), or longer if the vaccine takes longer to work.
4. Pet travel document from a vet. The type depends on the country you are travelling from (see each origin below).
5. Dogs: tapeworm treatment by a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days (120 hours) before arrival. Not needed if coming directly from Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta or Norway.
6. Declaration: sign the pet travel declaration confirming you will not sell or transfer the pet in the UK.

• Pets that do not meet the rules can be put in quarantine for up to 4 months or sent back. You pay all fees.
• A banned breed of dog cannot be brought in unless it already holds a valid Certificate of Exemption.
• Boosters must be on time. A missed booster means the vaccination course restarts (and a new blood test, if coming from an unlisted country).
• Some vaccines need more time: Canvac R - pet must be at least 17 weeks old to travel; Canvac DHPPiL+R (dogs) - at least 21 weeks old.
• The microchip should meet ISO 11784/11785. If not, bring your own reader. If it cannot be read the pet can be refused entry or quarantined, and the preparation has to be redone.
• The vaccination record must show: date of birth, microchip number and date, vaccination date, vaccine product and batch number, 'valid from' and 'valid until' dates, and the vet's signature and contact details.

Common mistakesMicrochip fitted after the rabies jab. Travelling before the 21 days (or the vaccine's own waiting time) have passed. Booster given late, so the course has to start again. Tapeworm treatment given outside the 24-hour to 5-day window, or the entry missing the product name, date AND time, stamp and signature. Photocopied or electronically signed certificates instead of originals. Vaccination entered in an EU pet passport by a vet from a country that cannot issue EU passports (for passports issued from 1 January 2021). Using an AHC or EU pet passport from a 'Part 2' listed or unlisted country. A GB pet health certificate is required instead.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Bring your pet to Great Britain (full printable guide) · GOV.UK - Rabies vaccination and boosters · GOV.UK - Microchip rules · GOV.UK - Tapeworm treatment for dogs (entering GB) · GOV.UK - Pet travel declaration for the non-commercial movement of animals (last updated 1 Sep 2016)

Entering Great Britain on a private charter

GOV.UK says pets normally have to travel as cargo on a plane - unless you are flying on a chartered private plane. APHA keeps a separate charter list showing which charter carriers may bring pets into which UK airports.

• GOV.UK: pets have to travel as cargo on a plane unless you are flying on a chartered private plane (or travelling with a guide or assistance dog).
• GOV.UK: you can only use carriers and routes approved by APHA to bring a pet to England or Scotland. The same page says there are no approved routes to Wales.
• No approved route is needed from the UK countries, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland.
• The approved air list has a separate charter section. It describes these carriers as transporting pets 'in the carriage of the plane', whereas the commercial airlines section says pets go in the hold. Each charter carrier is listed against specific UK airports, so the carrier AND the arrival airport must both be on the list.
• Cardiff appears in the charter list although the same publication says there are no approved routes to Wales (not yet confirmed: which is right). Ask APHA before planning a landing in Wales.
• In the list as read on 20 Oct 2026 (page updated 9 Oct 2026), the charter section named many airports, including Biggin Hill, Farnborough, London Luton, London Stansted, London Oxford, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle, Lydd, Blackbushe and Bournemouth. RAF Northolt, Southend, Exeter, Aberdeen, Inverness and Prestwick did not appear. Check the live list.
• Some entries carry bracketed labels (for example the names of handling or reception facilities). The page does not explain them. Ask APHA or the charter team what applies at your airport.
• APHA says it updates the lists when it is told of changes, and tells you to check with your travel company that it is still approved.
• Transport companies that check pets coming into Great Britain must be authorised by APHA. They check the microchip and documents, and complete the 'Official at point of entry in GB' section of a GB pet health certificate.
• On arrival your pet's microchip and documents are checked. A pet with the wrong documents, or that has not been properly prepared, can be quarantined or sent back at your cost.
• Coming from outside the EU, you can only collect your pet after it has been taken through customs. GOV.UK says you can usually pay an agent, travel company or airline to do this, or contact customs where you are arriving, or email the HMRC National Clearance Hub (nch@hmrc.gov.uk).
• APHA Pet Travel helpline: 03000 200 301 (Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm).

Common mistakesAssuming any UK airport or any aircraft will do. The carrier and airport are both checked against the list. Choosing an airport that is handy for the passengers but not on the charter list for pets. Leaving the pet's arrival checks until the aircraft has landed. Agree how customs and APHA checks will be handled with the charter team first.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Travel routes for pets · GOV.UK - Pet travel: approved air, sea and rail carriers and routes (APHA/Defra) (updated 9 Oct 2026) · GOV.UK - Pet travel: airlines and airports you can use (includes the charter section) (updated 9 Oct 2026) · GOV.UK - Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers (APHA) (updated 1 Oct 2026) · GOV.UK - Bring your pet to Great Britain (full printable guide) · GOV.UK - Pet travel help and support (APHA helpline 03000 200 301)

Entering Great Britain from the EU and other 'Part 1' listed countries

From the EU the pet needs a pet passport issued in the EU, a GB-issued AHC (for UK pets coming home), or a GB pet health certificate. The usual microchip, rabies, tapeworm and declaration steps apply.

• Documents accepted from EU countries: a pet passport issued in an EU country (or certain other countries); an animal health certificate (AHC) issued in Great Britain; a GB pet health certificate; or a GB pet passport issued before 1 January 2021.
• AHC from Great Britain: GOV.UK gives the return validity as 6 months from the date of issue (carrier guidance: or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever is earlier). The GB-entry page words it as 6 months counted from when you entered the EU, so plan to the shorter reading. If you stay abroad longer you need a GB pet health certificate.
• Other 'Part 1' listed places where a pet passport, an AHC or a GB pet health certificate is accepted include Andorra, Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, the Vatican, the Faroe Islands and Greenland, and several French territories.
• Dogs need tapeworm treatment 24 hours to 5 days before arrival, unless coming directly from Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta or Norway.
• No rabies blood test is needed from the EU or Part 1 listed countries.
• Only vets in EU countries can enter rabies vaccination details in an EU pet passport. Any vet in any country can add tapeworm treatments.
• You must carry the originals of all documents, not photocopies.
• Use an approved route (on a charter, see the private charter section).

Common mistakesAHC older than its validity, or the pet's rabies vaccination expired while abroad. Rabies booster given abroad and entered in an EU passport by a non-EU vet. Forgetting that tapeworm treatment is needed on EVERY entry.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Which pet travel document you need · 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 - Tapeworm treatment for dogs (entering GB)

Entering Great Britain from Northern Ireland

No health paperwork is needed to bring a pet from Northern Ireland to Great Britain.

• A pet coming from Northern Ireland does not need a pet passport or health certificate to enter Great Britain.
• No approved route is needed for travel within the UK.
• If you live in Northern Ireland, GOV.UK says you must make sure the pet is microchipped before you leave.
• Dogs do not need tapeworm treatment if coming directly from Northern Ireland.
• GOV.UK says there are no checks when travelling from Northern Ireland to Great Britain. Banned-breed rules still apply.

Common mistakesTreating a flight that touched the EU or Ireland on the way as 'from Northern Ireland'. The route and the country the pet last came from decide the rules.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Which pet travel document you need · GOV.UK - Travelling to Northern Ireland · GOV.UK - Tapeworm treatment for dogs (entering GB) · DAERA (Northern Ireland) - Travelling with pets (last updated 25 Jun 2026)

Entering Great Britain from Ireland

No approved route is needed from Ireland. Ireland is an EU country, so the EU document rules apply.

• GOV.UK: you do not have to use an approved route or company if travelling from Ireland to Great Britain.
• The document list on GOV.UK is written for 'EU countries' (EU pet passport, GB-issued AHC, GB pet health certificate, or a GB passport issued before 2021). It does not name Ireland separately.
• Dogs do not need tapeworm treatment when coming directly from Ireland.
• Microchip, rabies vaccination and the declaration still apply.
• Pets can come into Great Britain by private boat only from Ireland or Northern Ireland.

Common mistakesAssuming 'no approved route' means 'no paperwork'. The pet still needs microchip, rabies vaccination and the right document.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Travel routes for pets · GOV.UK - Which pet travel document you need · GOV.UK - Tapeworm treatment for dogs (entering GB) · GOV.UK - Bring your pet to Great Britain (full printable guide)

Entering Great Britain from Switzerland

Switzerland is a 'Part 1' listed country. A Swiss pet passport, a GB-issued AHC or a GB pet health certificate is accepted.

• Documents: a pet passport, an AHC (issued in Great Britain) or a GB pet health certificate.
• Switzerland is not on the tapeworm-exempt list, so dogs need a tapeworm treatment 24 hours to 5 days before arrival.
• No rabies blood test is needed.
• Microchip first, rabies vaccination, 21-day wait, declaration and an approved route (on a charter, the approved carrier and airport) apply as normal.

Common mistakesForgetting the tapeworm treatment because Switzerland 'feels like the EU'.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Which pet travel document you need · GOV.UK - Tapeworm treatment for dogs (entering GB) · GOV.UK - Bring your pet to Great Britain (full printable guide)

Entering Great Britain from the USA

The USA is a 'Part 2' listed country. Only a GB pet health certificate will do - not an AHC and not a pet passport.

• Document: a GB pet health certificate, signed, stamped and dated by an official veterinarian with authority from their government. If the vet is not an official vet, the certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority (a government vet).
• The pet must enter Great Britain within 10 days of the certificate being issued.
• Microchip first, rabies vaccination (at least 12 weeks old), 21-day wait. No rabies blood test is needed from the USA.
• Dogs: tapeworm treatment 24 hours to 5 days before arrival, recorded in the certificate.
• Sign the declaration that the pet will not be sold or transferred in the UK.
• The certificate and supporting records must be originals. Electronically signed certificates are not acceptable, with one exception: USDA-issued certificates may be e-signed by the vet if the endorsement box is ink-signed and an embossed stamp is used throughout. Tapeworm entries added after endorsement must be ink-signed and stamped.
• Use an approved route. On a charter, the carrier and UK airport must be on the APHA list.

Common mistakesUsing an AHC or EU passport for a pet coming from the USA. Certificate signed by a vet who is not an official vet and not endorsed by the government. Certificate more than 10 days old on arrival, or e-signed in a way that is not accepted. Not allowing time for the US government endorsement.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Which pet travel document you need · GOV.UK - Pet travel: apply for a Great Britain pet health certificate (last updated 16 Mar 2023) · GOV.UK - Great Britain pet health certificate (guide page) · GOV.UK - Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers (APHA) (updated 1 Oct 2026) · GOV.UK - Bring your pet to Great Britain (full printable guide)

Entering Great Britain from the UAE

The UAE is a 'Part 2' listed country. Only a GB pet health certificate is accepted.

• Document: a GB pet health certificate signed, stamped and dated by an official veterinarian with authority from the UAE government (or endorsed by the competent authority if the vet is not an official vet). Valid for entry within 10 days of issue.
• Microchip first, rabies vaccination, 21-day wait. No blood test is needed from the UAE.
• Dogs: tapeworm treatment 24 hours to 5 days before arrival.
• A pet that went out to the UAE on a UK export health certificate still needs a fresh GB pet health certificate to come back.
• Electronically signed certificates are not acceptable. Originals only.

Common mistakesLeaving the GB pet health certificate until the day before departure from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Allow time to find the government vet and endorsement route (not yet confirmed: - the UAE process for this was not found on an official page). Using the UK export health certificate (3926) as the return document. It is for going out, not coming back.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Which pet travel document you need · GOV.UK - Pet travel: apply for a Great Britain pet health certificate (last updated 16 Mar 2023) · GOV.UK - Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers (APHA) (updated 1 Oct 2026)

Entering Great Britain from other 'listed' countries

Countries are 'Part 1 listed' (pet passport, AHC or GB certificate accepted) or 'Part 2 listed' (GB pet health certificate only). Neither group needs a rabies blood test.

• Part 1 listed (pet passport, AHC or GB pet health certificate): Andorra, Azores and Madeira, Canary Islands, French Guiana, Gibraltar, Greenland and the Faroe Islands, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Martinique, Mayotte, Monaco, Norway, Reunion, Saint Barthelemy, San Marino, Saint Martin (French part), Switzerland and the Vatican City State.
• Part 2 listed (GB pet health certificate only): includes Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Bermuda, Bosnia-Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Curacao, Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Montserrat, New Caledonia, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Russia, Singapore, St Helena, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, the UAE, the USA (including Puerto Rico, Guam and other US territories) and Vanuatu. See the GOV.UK table for the full list.
• Extra for cats from Australia: a certificate from the Australian Department of Agriculture saying the cat has not been exposed to Hendra virus in the 60 days before departure.
• Extra for dogs and cats from Peninsular Malaysia: a Malaysian government vet certificate showing no contact with pigs in the 60 days before leaving, and a negative Nipah antibody blood test taken no more than 10 days before leaving.
• GB pet health certificate: valid for entry within 10 days of issue.

Common mistakesAssuming a country is 'listed' without checking which part. Part 1 and Part 2 accept different documents.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Which pet travel document you need · GOV.UK - Pet travel: apply for a Great Britain pet health certificate (last updated 16 Mar 2023) · GOV.UK - Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers (APHA) (updated 1 Oct 2026)

Entering Great Britain from 'not listed' countries (e.g. Turkey)

From a country that is neither in the EU nor on the GOV.UK 'listed' table, the pet needs a GB pet health certificate AND a rabies blood test, with a 3-month wait. There is a shortcut for UK pets that had the blood test before they left.

• Document: GB pet health certificate (signed by an official vet; valid for entry within 10 days of issue).
• Rabies blood test: sample taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, at an EU-approved laboratory, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
• Wait 3 months from the date of the blood sample before travelling (if the pet was prepared outside the EU or UK).
• No 3-month wait on the way back if the pet had the blood test BEFORE leaving Great Britain or the EU, and the GB pet health certificate comes with supporting evidence of: the microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and a satisfactory blood test. A flight ticket or booking showing the outbound journey is accepted as evidence of leaving.
• The blood test stays valid as long as rabies vaccinations are kept up to date. A missed booster means a new course and a new blood test.
• UK export guidance for Turkey says the blood sample should ideally be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination so the pet can return to the UK from an unlisted country without delay.

Common mistakesTaking a UK pet to an unlisted country without having the blood test done first. Without it the pet may face a 3-month wait or be refused entry on return. Blood sample taken less than 30 days after the vaccination.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Blood tests for rabies · GOV.UK - Which pet travel document you need · GOV.UK - Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers (APHA) (updated 1 Oct 2026) · GOV.UK - Notes for guidance, certificate 3818 (Turkiye) (revised 26 Oct 2023)

Tapeworm treatment for dogs (GB entry and return)

A vet must treat the dog 24 hours to 5 days (120 hours) before it enters Great Britain, every time. Cats and ferrets do not need it.

• Window: no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before arrival. Example: treated at 1pm Monday means you can arrive after 1pm Tuesday and not later than 1pm Saturday.
• Product: approved in the country where it is given, containing praziquantel or an equivalent proven against Echinococcus multilocularis.
• Record in the 'Echinococcus treatment' section: product name and manufacturer, date and time, vet's stamp and signature.
• No treatment needed if coming directly from Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta or Norway.
• Delayed? If you arrive more than 120 hours after treatment the dog may need a new treatment. Check with your travel company.
• Short trips: if you leave and return within 24 hours, treat the dog before you go. If you return within 5 days you can also treat before you go, but you must wait 24 hours after treatment before re-entering and return within 120 hours.
• GOV.UK also advises treating the dog again within 28 days of returning to Great Britain.

Common mistakesTreating the dog the same morning as the flight home (less than 24 hours). Weekend or flight delays pushing arrival past 120 hours. Vet not recording the TIME of treatment.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Tapeworm treatment for dogs (entering GB) · GOV.UK - Tapeworm treatment for dogs (leaving GB)

Pet passport, AHC or GB pet health certificate? (which document, and what is still valid)

Three documents matter for a UK-based pet. Which one you use depends on the country you are leaving or entering.

• EU pet passport: accepted into Great Britain from the EU and some other 'Part 1' countries. Since 22 April 2026, EU pet passports can only be issued to owners whose main home is in the EU. GB residents should no longer use EU pet passports to enter the EU, but can still use them for the return to Great Britain.
• GB pet passport: only accepted if issued before 1 January 2021, and only from the EU.
• Animal health certificate (AHC): issued in Great Britain by an official vet for each trip from GB to the EU. Valid 10 days for entry into the EU (day 1 = issue date), 6 months for onward travel in the EU and 6 months for re-entry to Great Britain, if rabies cover stays valid. Up to 5 pets can go on one AHC. From 1 October 2026 the new AHC template must be used. Vets can get the current template from the Improve International website.
• GB pet health certificate: used for entering or returning to Great Britain from 'Part 2' listed or unlisted countries. Signed by an official vet, valid for entry within 10 days of issue, and not usable the other way round.
• Northern Ireland pet travel document (PTD): free, valid for as long as you own the pet. For GB-to-Northern-Ireland trips only. It stops being usable if you travel onward to the EU.
• Declarations: the pet travel declaration (not selling or transferring the pet) must travel with the pet. Keep the originals.
• Electronically signed certificates are not accepted (USDA is the one conditional exception).

Common mistakesUsing an old pet passport to leave Great Britain for the EU. Using last year's AHC template after 30 September 2026. Assuming one AHC covers a second, separate trip. A new AHC is needed for each trip.

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 - Which pet travel document you need · GOV.UK - Getting an animal health certificate (leaving GB for the EU) · GOV.UK - Pet travel: apply for a Great Britain pet health certificate (last updated 16 Mar 2023) · DAERA (Northern Ireland) - Travelling with pets (last updated 25 Jun 2026)

More than 5 pets

Both GB and the EU treat more than 5 pets as a different kind of movement unless the pets are going to or training for an event.

• Great Britain: you cannot bring more than 5 pets unless you are attending or training for a competition, show or sporting event. Every pet must be over 6 months old, meet the normal pet travel rules, and you need written proof of registration plus a declaration.
• Otherwise more than 5 pets (or a pet arriving more than 5 days before or after you, or any sale or rehoming) falls under the Balai rules - a commercial route with extra requirements.
• EU and Northern Ireland: since 22 April 2026 the limit is 5 pets per private vehicle. Up to 5 as a foot passenger. Event exceptions apply with written proof.
• How the EU 'per vehicle' limit applies to a whole private aircraft is not stated on the official pages (not yet confirmed: ). Ask the destination authority if you are bringing several pets on one aircraft.
• Other limits: the UAE allows personal import of no more than 2 pets per person per year; Turkey (consulate note): 2 pets per person; the USA (CDC) sets no limit but every dog needs its own import form.

Common mistakesSplitting pets between family members to 'get under' a limit without checking the owner-and-authorised-person rules.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - More than 5 pets / other animals (Balai) · GOV.UK - Bring your pet to Great Britain (full printable guide) · GOV.UK - Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad (full printable guide) · European Commission - Pet movement FAQs · UAE MOCCAE - Import of pets (cats / dogs) service page · Turkish MFA (New York consulate) - How to take your pet into Turkey for a temporary period (3 Jul 2025) · CDC - Dog importation FAQs (reviewed 27 Aug 2026)

Arrival checks, customs and declarations in Great Britain

Documents and microchip are checked on arrival. Customs clearance is separate. A signed declaration must travel with the pet.

• On arrival, microchip and documents are checked. Checks are carried out by the authorised carrier or checker.
• Customs: for pets arriving from outside the EU you can only collect the pet after customs clearance. Agents, travel companies or airlines can usually do this for you. HMRC National Clearance Hub: nch@hmrc.gov.uk.
• Declaration: all pets must travel with the signed declaration that they will not be sold or transferred to a new owner in the UK. Carriers keep it for a year.
• 'Pets on the Move': we could not find an official GOV.UK scheme or form by this name (not yet confirmed: ). The official forms found were the pet travel declaration and the GB pet health certificate.
• Report an illegally imported pet: local Trading Standards (in London, City of London Animal Health and Welfare Team).

Common mistakesAssuming the aircraft handler automatically knows the pet is on board. Tell the charter team and handling agent in advance.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Bring your pet to Great Britain (full printable guide) · GOV.UK - Pet travel declaration for the non-commercial movement of animals (last updated 1 Sep 2016) · GOV.UK - Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers (APHA) (updated 1 Oct 2026) · GOV.UK - Pet travel help and support (APHA helpline 03000 200 301)