British holidaymakers and UK tourists are being warned that their passports "may not be valid" under new rules. The RSPCA has issued an alert regarding changes to pet travel regulations, which mean that some previously issued documents, including pet passports, may no longer be accepted.
Under the updated guidance, UK tourists should no longer use European Union-issued pet passports when travelling to the continent. Instead, pet owners are advised to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) to ensure smooth entry into EU countries.
RSPCA Urges Pet Owners to Check Documents
David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, warned: "We know many families will be looking forward to a summer getaway with their pets and we don't want anyone to face having their holidays cancelled when they reach the border because they don't have the right documents."
He added: "We recognise that these changes may cause some confusion for pet owners, particularly for those who have travelled with their pets before. That's why it's so important people check the latest requirements and make sure they have the correct paperwork in place before setting off."
What Pet Owners Need to Know
Bowles emphasised that this includes an Animal Health Certificate, as well as ensuring vaccinations are up to date to help avoid delays or issues at the border. "It's vital owners plan ahead to make journeys as smooth and stress-free as possible, for both them and their pets," he said.
While AHCs remain single-use for entry into the EU, they can now be used for onward travel within the EU and for returning to Great Britain for up to six months, provided rabies vaccinations remain valid.
Additional Requirements for Pet Travel
The charity is also reminding owners that additional requirements will apply if they are not travelling alongside their pet. This includes written permission for anyone accompanying the animal and a requirement for pets to travel within five days of their owner.
New limits also apply for those travelling by car, with a maximum of five pets per private vehicle for non-commercial travel into the EU.
The RSPCA is also encouraging travellers to verify the specific entry requirements of their destination country, as regulations can differ between EU member states.
