As of April 22, UK residents wishing to take their dogs, cats, or ferrets into the European Union must obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip. This measure invalidates pet passports previously issued to UK residents who, despite primarily living outside the EU, had acquired them in member countries.
The regulation, confirmed by the UK government website, states that pet passports issued in the EU will no longer be valid for those residing in England, Scotland, or Wales. This situation impacts thousands of individuals who, until now, used EU-issued passports to facilitate their travel.
“"Post-Brexit pet travel requirements from Great Britain to the EU have required an Animal Health Certificate issued by a vet, but we’ve heard reports of some UK resident owners traveling with pet passports issued in the EU. These new rules will close that loophole."
The new requirement means that each AHC is 'single-use' and is only valid if issued less than ten days before the travel date. Once in the EU, the certificate is valid for up to six months, but a new one is needed for each entry into the continent. The cost of this document can vary considerably, adding a financial burden to pet owners.
The situation has caused frustration among those affected, especially individuals with properties in EU countries, such as in Marbella, Andalucía. The implementation of this measure is expected to lead to confusion and potential delays at entry points, as many travelers may not be aware of the changes.
