New Europe travel rules for 2026 'mean documents not valid'

New Europe travel rules for 2026 'mean documents not valid'The RSPCA is warning that changes to rules mean some previously issued documents may no longer be validCommentsTravelSteven Smith Content Editor10:29, 23 Apr 2026Updated 10:31, 23 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesDifferent documents are now needed(Image: Anastasiia Akh via Getty Images)People heading off on holiday this summer are being alerted to a change in rules that could see them hit problems at the border if they're heading to Europe. Pet owners with plans to travel to Europe this year are being urged to check the latest requirements ahead of the summer getaway, following significant changes to pet travel rules.‌The RSPCA is cautioning that these changes mean some previously issued documents, including pet passports, may no longer be valid - and without adequate forward planning, families could find themselves forced to cancel their trips abroad. Under the new guidance, residents in Great Britain should no longer use EU-issued pet passports when heading to the continent.‌Instead, owners are advised to obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip to ensure their pets can travel without any hitches. It's worth noting that there are no changes to the requirements for bringing pets back into Great Britain, and valid EU pet passports can still be used for entry.‌View 3 ImagesIt could cause problems at the border(Image: Alamy/PA)RSPCA head of public affairs, David Bowles, warned that travellers could find themselves in hot water if they were unaware of the rule changes.He said: "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.‌"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...