Source data
Great Britain to EU non-commercial dog, cat and ferret travel rules
Sources checked
- 01Check the microchip and vaccination
The microchip must be placed before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination. Source 1
- 02Ask an official veterinarian for the certificate
Wait until the qualifying vaccination period is complete. Source 2
- 03Enter within the certificate window
Count the issue date as day one of the 10-day entry window. Source 2
The vaccine wait and the certificate’s entry window are separate clocks.
Great Britain to EU non-commercial dog, cat and ferret travel rules
Official GOV.UK guidance checked 11 November 2026. The table covers ordinary non-commercial trips by Great Britain residents. Confirm the destination country’s requirements.
| Source | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Microchip | Before or with rabies vaccination | Microchip the animal before or at the same time as vaccination | Source 1 |
| First rabies vaccination or course | Before a first qualifying trip | Wait at least 21 full days, or longer if the vaccine requires it | Source 2 |
| Animal health certificate | Entry into the EU from Great Britain | New certificate for each trip, signed by an official veterinarian | Source 2 |
| EU entry window | After certificate issue | Enter within 10 days. Issue date is day one. | Source 2 |
| Onward travel and Great Britain re-entry | Same trip | Up to six months as described by GOV.UK, subject to valid rabies vaccination | Source 3 |
| Written authorization | Someone else accompanies the animal | Animal travels within five days of the owner and the companion carries permission | Source 3 |
| Dog tapeworm treatment | Entry to Finland, Ireland or Malta | Vet treatment between 24 and 120 hours before arrival | Source 4 |