In what has already been a tumultuous year for the travel industry (cancelled flights, closed-off airspace, rocketing fuel costs and shortages and the introduction of the EU’s Entry/Exit System), British pet owners now face another obstacle, should they wish to take their animals abroad.
The official guidance also applies to assistance animals and outlines how GB residents should no longer use EU pet passports to travel into the EU. “EU pet passports may now only be issued to people whose main home is in the EU and should not be used by people who have holiday homes in the EU or visit seasonally,” the Gov.uk website reads. This means that pet passports issued to GB residents before 22 April this year will likely no longer be valid. The UK government is, therefore, urging pet owners to apply for an AHC ahead of time, to ensure a smooth journey.
It will need to be issued by a vet within 10 days of the trip, and it can be used for up to 6 months for onward travel once you’ve left the UK. But, if you return to the UK between trips, you’ll have to reapply for a new certificate for your next journey. The UK government also states that GB residents will still be able to use EU pet passports for their return journey to the UK.
Other key changes to the EU’s travel rules for pets include extra paperwork for those travelling with someone else’s pet, and a new five-pet limit per private vehicle, rather than five per person.
A spokesperson for the Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA) said: “From 22 April, new EU rules change how GB residents travel to the EU with their pets, but holidays with your pets are still possible. Anyone planning to travel should check guidance on Gov.uk, and the entry rules for their destination.
“To avoid delays and ensure a smooth journey, pet owners residing in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate if they’re travelling from Great Britain to an EU country.”
For more information about AHCs and how to apply for one, you can visit the government website here.
