Major EU travel rule change from Wednesday could see UK travellers denied entry

Major EU travel rule change from Wednesday could see UK travellers denied entryYou need a new document at a cost of £90 a timeCommentsTravelNeil Shaw Assistant Editor (Money and Lifestyle)14:03, 20 Apr 2026Updated 14:07, 20 Apr 2026View 4 ImagesAnyone travelling with a pet needs to know the rule changePeople travelling from the UK to Europe have been warned of a major passport change this week, making documents invalid from Wednesday, April 22. The post-Brexit change means that anyone travelling with a pet will need new documentation or face being sent home.‌Until now, people taking their pets abroad - whether by plane, train, ferry or car - could use an EU Pet Passport. The EU Regulation 2016/429 - known as the Animal Health Law - comes into force this week after a 10-year transition.‌That means anyone going to Europe with their pet now needs an Animal Health Certificate. The certificate requires a vet visit within 10 days of your trip, a new certificate each time and a £90 payment - per pet.‌View 4 ImagesPeople have been using a loophole, with Pet Passports issued in the EUThe Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) issued Briefing Note 14/26 on April 17, 2026. This statement marks a significant shift in pet travel rules, effectively ending the "loophole" where Great Britain (GB) residents used EU-issued pet passports to avoid the cost of Animal Health Certificates (AHCs).A spokesman said: "An EU pet passport, issued to or held by a pet owner who is resident in GB, will no longer be a valid document for travelling with pets from GB to the EU. This applies to EU pet passports issued in an EU Member State or Northern Ireland, including those issued before 22 April 2026 . EU pet passports may only be issued to owners whose main residence is within the European Un ion."‌If your primary residence is in Great Britain, you cannot use an EU pet passport for travel from the UK to the EU, regardless of where or when that passport was issued (e.g., if you o...