Taking your pet out of 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.

Leaving Great Britain for an EU country

Each trip needs a GB-issued animal health certificate (AHC) signed by an official vet, within 10 days of entering the EU. You must enter through a designated travellers' point of entry.

1. Microchip first (before, or at the same time as, the rabies vaccination).
2. Rabies vaccination at 12 weeks or older, then wait at least 21 full days.
3. See an official vet (OV) for the AHC. Take proof of microchip date and vaccination history. Ask for the AHC when you book the vaccination.
4. Travel within 10 days of the AHC being issued (day 1 is the issue date).
5. Dogs to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland: tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before entry.
6. Arrive at a travellers' point of entry (a designated airport or port) and show the AHC, microchip and rabies proof.

• No rabies blood test is needed: the EU lists the UK (Great Britain) among the countries exempt from the titration test.
• AHC validity: 10 days for entry; 6 months for onward travel in the EU and 6 months for re-entry to Great Britain (extended from 4 months on 22 April 2026), as long as rabies cover stays valid.
• People who live in England, Scotland or Wales cannot use a pet passport to enter the EU, even one issued in the EU.
• The vet gives you a declaration to sign confirming you will not sell or rehome the pet while abroad.
• A friend or relative can bring the pet if they travel within 5 days before or after you, to the same destination, with your signed declaration and proof of your travel dates.
• Maximum 5 pets per private vehicle; up to 5 as a foot passenger.
• No unvaccinated young animals from outside the EU: the pet must be at least 12 weeks old at its first rabies vaccination and have waited 21 days. In practice that means about 15 weeks of age (derived).
• Pets must travel with their owner and remain under the owner's direct responsibility.
• Each EU country designates its own travellers' points of entry. The Commission page links to each national list. Small private airfields are often not on them.

Country quirks (from official national pages and EU lists)

Common mistakesGetting the AHC too early (more than 10 days before entering the EU). Using an EU pet passport as a GB resident. Landing at an airport that is not a designated travellers' point of entry. Not planning the tapeworm treatment for Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Getting an animal health certificate (leaving GB for the EU) · GOV.UK - Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad (full printable guide) · GOV.UK news - New EU rules for pet travel for GB residents (published 21 Apr 2026) · European Commission - Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country (Delegated Reg. (EU) 2026/131) · European Commission - Listed territories and non-EU countries · European Commission - Travellers' points of entry (links to each country's list) · European Commission - Young animals · European Commission - EU countries' specific information (national links) · GOV.UK - Tapeworm treatment for dogs (leaving GB) · French Ministry of Agriculture - Information note: import of pets into the EU from third countries (updated June 2026) · Spanish Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) - Travelling with pets · MAPA - List of travellers' points of entry for pets (PDF) (page labels it 21.05.2026) · Italian Ministry of Health - List of travellers' points of entry (PDF) (updated Sep 2026) · Portuguese DGAV - Entering Portugal from a non-EU country (includes the UK)

Leaving Great Britain for Northern Ireland

From Great Britain to Northern Ireland the pet needs a free Northern Ireland pet travel document (PTD) and a microchip - no rabies jab or tapeworm treatment needed with the PTD.

• Apply online for a Northern Ireland PTD. It is free and lasts for as long as you own the pet.
• The pet must be microchipped. Officials scan the chip and check it matches the PTD.
• By air, tell DAERA at least 10 working days before you travel (GOV.UK) - email daeratradeimports@daera-ni.gov.uk. DAERA's own page says 'at least 10 days in advance'.
• Northern Ireland airports used as travellers' points of entry: Belfast International, Belfast City and City of Derry.
• The PTD scheme does not cover onward travel to the EU (including Ireland), or travel from GB to Northern Ireland via an EU country. Those trips follow the EU rules: AHC, rabies vaccination, tapeworm treatment for dogs.
• You sign a declaration that you will not travel onward to the EU on the PTD.
• More than 5 pets: not allowed unless attending or training for an event (written proof).
• Northern Ireland to Great Britain: nothing needed except a microchip.
• Private aircraft: the pages read do not mention private flights specifically (not yet confirmed: ). Give DAERA the full details in your notification.

Common mistakesUsing the PTD for a trip that continues to Ireland or elsewhere in the EU. Not emailing DAERA in time for an air arrival.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Travelling to Northern Ireland · DAERA (Northern Ireland) - Travelling with pets (last updated 25 Jun 2026) · GOV.UK - Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad (full printable guide)

Leaving Great Britain for Ireland

Ireland follows the EU rules for GB pets: AHC, rabies vaccination and dogs need tapeworm treatment. Arrival is only through designated points, and the Irish authorities have a specific private aircraft section.

• Document: GB-issued AHC for the trip (10 days for entry). Rabies vaccination and microchip as for the EU.
• Dogs: tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before arrival in Ireland.
• Pets from non-EU countries (the UK is non-EU) may only enter Ireland through: Dublin Airport, Cork Airport, Shannon Airport, Dublin Port, Ringaskiddy (Cork) or Rosslare.
• Private aircraft or yacht: the Irish Department of Agriculture says it may be able to allow pets to land by private transport where possible. You must contact the travellers' point of entry in advance to ask whether an arrival on private transport can be accommodated, and complete the advance notice for non-EU arrivals.
• Private yachts with pets that have been in non-EU countries generally cannot be accommodated.
• Your pet must arrive with you, or within five days before or after you if accompanied by a person you authorise. Original paperwork must travel with the pet.
• General contact: livetrade@agriculture.gov.ie; Dublin Airport: petmove@agriculture.gov.ie; Cork: corkpetmove@agriculture.gov.ie; Shannon: PetsShannon@agriculture.gov.ie.
• Online portal for the rules: pettravel.gov.ie.

Common mistakesFlying into a smaller Irish airfield that is not a travellers' point of entry. Not giving advance notice or not booking the compliance check.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): Irish Dept of Agriculture (gov.ie) - Pet Travel (incl. private aircraft/yacht section) (last updated 5 Aug 2026) · GOV.UK - Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad (full printable guide) · European Commission - Travellers' points of entry (links to each country's list)

Leaving Great Britain for Switzerland

Switzerland treats Great Britain as a low-risk third country. An entry check is always done. Some details for UK pets (which certificate) could not be confirmed.

• Great Britain, the USA, the UAE, Canada, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man are on the Swiss list of low-risk rabies countries (status June 2026). Turkey is not.
• All animals must be microchipped before the rabies vaccination and have a valid rabies vaccination. The first vaccination can be given from 12 weeks and takes effect 21 days later.
• From a third country, an entry check must always be done and you present the animal at the red customs exit.
• Swiss official documents: if the animal already meets the rules it needs a valid Swiss or EU pet passport; otherwise (for example first-time travel) it needs the veterinary certificate issued by the authorities in the exporting country (the EU 2026/705 model).
• Young animals up to 16 weeks that have not completed the vaccination programme can enter from a low-risk country with a special owner declaration.
• Importing dogs with docked ears and/or tails is prohibited.
• More than 5 dogs, cats or ferrets in one private vehicle is not allowed under the pet rules.
• The Swiss page says animals can be brought directly by plane, accompanied (cabin or excess luggage), via the airports in Basel, Geneva or Zurich. It also says not all animals can use every border crossing and to contact the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security.
• Not yet confirmed: whether a GB-issued AHC is accepted by Switzerland, and whether pets can clear at other airports used by private aircraft. Ask the FSVO before you plan the flight.

Common mistakesPlanning a private flight into a Swiss airfield that is not Basel, Geneva or Zurich without asking the FSVO and customs first. Forgetting the docked ears/tails ban for some breeds.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): Swiss FSVO/BLV - Travelling with dogs, cats and ferrets · Swiss FSVO/BLV - Preparing to travel with pets (incl. flying and sedation) · Swiss FSVO/BLV - List of countries by rabies status (GB, USA, UAE, Canada = low risk) (status 06.2026)

Leaving Great Britain for Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man

Pets travelling with their owner between Great Britain and the Crown Dependencies need no health paperwork, but breed rules and local licensing apply and you must not land in a foreign port on the way.

• Jersey: no official health requirements for dogs, cats or ferrets travelling between Jersey and the UK, Isle of Man or other Channel Islands. No pet passport needed if travelling from the UK, but a pet that originated abroad must have landed legally in the UK first.
• Jersey: if you travel on a private plane or boat you must not visit a foreign port on the way. Minimum age to fly: 8 weeks. XL Bully-type dogs need a licence to be imported or exported. Dogs living in Jersey aged 6 months or over must be licensed by the parish (applies to resident dogs).
• Guernsey: no official requirements for pets travelling with their owners between the Bailiwick and the UK or other Crown Dependencies. No import notification needed for these pets. Pets can be taken on a private boat or plane, but you must not visit a foreign port (excluding Northern Ireland and Ireland) on the way. Minimum age 8 weeks. Restricted dogs need a specific licence.
• Isle of Man: free movement of most dogs, cats and ferrets between Great Britain and the Isle of Man with no animal health requirements. The Isle of Man prohibits import of Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa and XL Bully dogs.
• Isle of Man: pets coming from the EU cannot be landed directly in the Isle of Man by private air transport or private boat; they must clear Great Britain first (approved route).
• Isle of Man residents travelling to Northern Ireland need an AHC for each journey (the Northern Ireland PTD scheme does not apply to them).
• Coming back to Great Britain from any of these: GOV.UK says no pet passport or health certificate is needed, and no approved route is needed.

Common mistakesRouting a private flight via France or another foreign airport on the way to Jersey or Guernsey. That changes the rules for the pet. Forgetting local dog licences or banned-breed rules.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): 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 · Isle of Man Government - Travelling with pets · GOV.UK - Which pet travel document you need · GOV.UK - Travel routes for pets

Leaving Great Britain for the USA

For a UK-based dog the main US requirement is an online CDC Dog Import Form. Cats need no federal rabies paperwork. Dogs that have been in a CDC 'high-risk' country (UAE and Turkey are on the list) in the last 6 months face much tougher rules.

• Dogs: the CDC Dog Import Form is required for every dog, free, completed online. The UK is not on CDC's high-risk list, so a dog that has only been in rabies-free or low-risk countries in the last 6 months needs only the form (no rabies certificate).
• Dog must be at least 6 months old, have a microchip that a universal scanner can detect, and appear healthy on arrival.
• Receipt valid for 6 months and for multiple entries, as long as the dog does not go to a high-risk country or change departure country. A dog that has been in the UAE or Turkey within 6 months is treated as high-risk.
• Low-risk dogs may enter through any airport, seaport or land border crossing. Foreign-vaccinated dogs from a high-risk country must arrive at an airport with a CDC-registered animal care facility, with a reservation, and need a titer test or 28 days' quarantine.
• Cats: CDC says cats must appear healthy on arrival. Proof of rabies vaccination is not required for entry (CDC recommends it). Some states or airlines may have extra rules. Cats arriving in Hawaii and Guam are subject to local quarantine.
• USDA APHIS: no animal health requirements for importing a pet cat, and for dogs only if coming from a country with foot-and-mouth disease or screwworm. States set their own rules.
• The number of dogs: no limit, but each needs its own form.
• Getting back to Great Britain: a GB pet health certificate from an official vet in the USA is needed (see the USA entry above).
• Not yet confirmed: US Customs and Border Protection procedures for pets on private aircraft; ferrets; a UK export health certificate for the USA (none found on GOV.UK).

Common mistakesLeaving the dog form until after landing. Forgetting that a stopover in Dubai or Turkey makes a UK dog 'high-risk' for CDC purposes. Bringing a puppy under 6 months old.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): CDC - Bringing a dog into the U.S. (page dated 1 Aug 2024) · CDC - Requirements: dogs only in rabies-free or low-risk countries (page dated 22 Jul 2024) · CDC - High-risk countries for dog rabies (UAE and Turkey are listed; UK is not) (page dated 15 Apr 2026) · CDC - Dog importation FAQs (reviewed 27 Aug 2026) · CDC - Foreign-vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries (page dated 22 Jul 2024) · CDC - Bringing an animal into the U.S. (cats section) (page dated 22 Aug 2025) · USDA APHIS - Bringing a pet dog into the U.S. (modified 1 Apr 2026) · USDA APHIS - Bringing a pet cat into the U.S. (modified 24 Dec 2025)

Leaving Great Britain for the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)

Yes, a dog or cat can go to the UAE, but it needs an import permit and a UK export health certificate, and several breeds are banned. The UK is on the UAE's low-risk list, so no blood test is needed.

• Import permit: apply online through the MOCCAE digital system before travel. Fees on the page: AED 200 for the permit, AED 500 to release a dog and AED 250 to release a cat. Permit valid 90 days from issue. Processing time: 1 working day (5 for service/support dogs).
• UK side: an export health certificate (EHC 3926, dogs and cats) applied for online, completed and signed by an official vet. The guidance says initial rabies vaccination more than 21 days before export, the most recent vaccination within 12 months of export, and OVs sign in an ink colour other than black. GOV.UK says the vet is sent the EHC 7 working days before the export date (or within one working day if you apply inside the last 7 working days).
• Identification: permanent microchip, chip number matching the health certificate.
• Vaccinations: dogs - rabies, distemper, parvovirus, infectious canine hepatitis and leptospirosis; cats - rabies, feline panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus. Rabies first dose not before 12 weeks of age.
• Treated against internal and external parasites in the 14 days before shipment, stated in the certificate or passport.
• Limit: no more than 2 cats, or 2 dogs, or a dog and a cat per person per year.
• Banned dog breeds include Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Tibetan, Neapolitan and French mastiffs, Boerboel, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Presa Canario and Japanese Tosa (exceptions for service, emotional support and medical dogs under the rules). Bengal and Serval cats need a fifth-generation pedigree certificate.
• Minimum age from a low-risk country: 12 weeks.
• Animals are inspected on arrival and released once confirmed compliant. A pet that fails the requirements is held in a licensed quarantine or shelter at the owner's cost and, if still not compliant, must be re-exported (Ministerial Resolution 21 of 2025).
• The page says pets are shipped under IATA pet transport conditions and directly from the exporting country, and lists the quarantine channels (Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai Airport Cargo Village, Zayed International, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and others). It does not mention private aircraft or private terminals (not yet confirmed: ). Ask early which airport and handling route will be accepted.
• Coming back to Great Britain: a GB pet health certificate from a UAE official vet (see the UAE entry above). Returning UAE-resident pets have their own re-entry conditions.
• Not yet confirmed: a search summary said the UAE pet import service is being moved to the Emirates Drug Establishment. The MOCCAE page read did not say this. Check before applying.

Common mistakesPlanning a dog from a banned breed or mix. Applying for the import permit too late (it needs to be in place before travel) or letting it expire (90 days). Forgetting the return paperwork. The UK export health certificate does not bring the pet home.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): UAE MOCCAE - Import of pets (cats / dogs) service page · UAE Ministerial Resolution No. (21) of 2025 (non-compliant pets) (20 Jan 2025) · GOV.UK - Export cats and dogs to the UAE: certificate 3926 (last updated 6 May 2026) · GOV.UK - Notes for guidance, certificate 3926 (UAE) (revised 12 Oct 2023) · GOV.UK - Get an export health certificate

Leaving Great Britain for Monaco

We could not find an official Monaco government page on pet entry. Monaco is on the EU's list of listed territories and GOV.UK treats it as a 'Part 1' listed country for return to Great Britain.

• Not yet confirmed: Monaco's own entry conditions for dogs, cats and ferrets. Contact the Monaco authorities or your official vet before you plan.
• The EU Commission lists Monaco among the territories whose pets follow the EU rules, and the Portuguese authority says animals from Monaco follow EU rules when entering Portugal.
• Practical note: if the aircraft lands in France (for example Nice) the French rules above apply on arrival. If you then go on to Monaco by road or helicopter, ask Monaco's authorities what is needed for that leg (not yet confirmed: ).
• Return to Great Britain from Monaco: a pet passport, an AHC or a GB pet health certificate is accepted (Part 1 listed). Dogs need tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before arrival.

Common mistakesAssuming Monaco is simply 'France' for pet rules.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): European Commission - Listed territories and non-EU countries · GOV.UK - Which pet travel document you need · Portuguese DGAV - Entering Portugal from a non-EU country (includes the UK)

Leaving Great Britain for Turkey

A UK pet going to Turkey uses a UK export health certificate. Turkey is not on GOV.UK's 'listed' table, so the pet needs a rabies blood test BEFORE leaving if it is to come home without a long wait.

• UK side: export health certificate 3818 (dogs, cats and ferrets), signed by an official vet. Clinical inspection not more than 24 hours before export. The pet needs a rabies vaccination certificate. Vaccine must be an authorised inactivated rabies vaccine given when the animal is at least 90 days old.
• UK guidance notes: dogs, cats and ferrets travelling with their owner do not need an import permit (only unaccompanied animals do).
• UK guidance notes: take the rabies blood sample at least 30 days after the vaccination so the pet can return to the UK from an unlisted country (see the unlisted-countries entry).
• Turkish consulate note (New York, 3 Jul 2025): microchip required; rabies certificate issued no more than 15 days before entry; maximum 2 pets per person; Pitbull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and the same types are banned. That note is written for US-based travellers (it names a US form), so read it as a guide only.
• CDC lists Turkey as a high-risk country for dog rabies. A UK dog that goes to Turkey and then to the USA within 6 months is treated as high-risk.
• Coming back to Great Britain: GB pet health certificate plus the blood test evidence; tapeworm treatment for dogs 24-120 hours before arrival.
• Not yet confirmed: the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture's own current page was not found. Other sources disagree on whether a Turkish titer test is required. The UK guidance note is from 2023 and has been superseded by newer certificate versions (EHC updated 5 Mar 2026). Confirm with the Turkish embassy and APHA.

Common mistakesNot getting the blood test done before leaving (a long wait on return). Using the AHC route. Turkey is not in the EU.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Export dogs, cats and ferrets to Turkiye: certificate 3818 (last updated 6 May 2026) · GOV.UK - Notes for guidance, certificate 3818 (Turkiye) (revised 26 Oct 2023) · Turkish MFA (New York consulate) - How to take your pet into Turkey for a temporary period (3 Jul 2025) · CDC - High-risk countries for dog rabies (UAE and Turkey are listed; UK is not) (page dated 15 Apr 2026) · GOV.UK - Blood tests for rabies · GOV.UK - Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers (APHA) (updated 1 Oct 2026)

Leaving Great Britain for Canada

Canada treats the UK as rabies-free. A UK export health certificate exists for cats and dogs. Dogs and cats under 3 months have the lightest rules; dogs 8 months and over need proof of UK residence or a rabies vaccination.

• UK side: export health certificate 2923 (cats and dogs), signed by an official vet. Clinical examination within 72 hours of export.
• Canada (CFIA): dogs under 3 months do not need a rabies vaccination. Dogs 3 months and over need a vet certificate in English or French showing they are currently vaccinated against rabies, or are coming from a rabies-free country such as the UK (resident there for the last 6 months), or have a valid titre test of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
• Cats 3 months and over: a vet certificate in English or French that clearly identifies the animal and states it is currently vaccinated, or is from a rabies-free country, or has a valid titre test.
• Pet dogs are not subject to quarantine on arrival in Canada.
• Frequent travellers or people bringing 3 or more dogs may be asked to certify the dogs are personal pets, not for resale.
• Ontario bans pit bulls; do not import them there.
• Coming back to Great Britain: Canada is 'Part 2' listed, so a GB pet health certificate from an official vet in Canada is needed (see the earlier entry).
• Not yet confirmed: the CBSA customs process for pets on private aircraft, and ferret rules from the UK (the CFIA text read covers ferrets from the USA only).

Common mistakesAssuming 'rabies-free' means no documents. A vet certificate is still needed. Importing a pit bull into Ontario.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Export cats and dogs to Canada: certificate 2923 (last updated 6 May 2026) · GOV.UK - Notes for guidance, certificate 2923 (Canada) (revised 30 Oct 2023) · CFIA - Import Reference Document (cats, dogs, ferrets) · CFIA - Importing pets (interactive tool; UK listed as rabies-free) (modified 22 Jul 2024) · GOV.UK - Which pet travel document you need

Leaving Great Britain for the rest of the world

For any non-EU country, GOV.UK says you need an export health certificate and must check the destination's own rules. Some countries take six months or more to prepare for.

1. Contact the destination country's veterinary authority or embassy for the current entry conditions (GOV.UK tells you to check the destination's own rules).
2. Find out if GOV.UK has an export health certificate (EHC) for dogs/cats/ferrets to that country. If there is none, contact APHA.
3. Apply for the EHC (and the export application form, EXA) and nominate your official vet.
4. Plan the return: check whether the destination is 'Part 1', 'Part 2' or not listed for the UK, and book the blood test early if it is not listed.

• GOV.UK: you need an EHC for a non-EU country, plus an export application form if you are in England, Scotland or Wales. You must name an official vet who will be sent the EHC.
• The OV receives the EHC 7 working days before the export date (one working day if you apply within 7 working days of travel).
• Isle of Man Government notes some countries need '6+ months' to allow for vaccinations, tests and treatments.
• Import permits, special quarantine, approved airports and breed bans are common. Examples seen in official sources: UAE import permit; Australia and New Zealand have their own strict import systems (not yet confirmed: -).
• A pet on a private flight still needs the destination's permission to land at the specific airport.

Common mistakesAssuming that because a pet can fly to one country it can fly to the next on the same aircraft. Each landing counts as an entry. Starting the preparations less than a few months out for countries with blood tests or quarantine.

Official sources (read 20 October 2026): GOV.UK - Travelling to a non-EU country · GOV.UK - Get an export health certificate · Isle of Man Government - Travelling with pets