Travelling between France and Britain with Pets
Since Britain left the EU, there have been many rumours and much confusion regarding travelling between the continent and the UK, particularly with pets.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest information from the British Government website (updated 20th August 2022).
Travelling from France to GB
If you wish to travel with a pet dog, cat or ferret to the EU, you can no longer use a pet passport issued in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). If your pet passport was issued in an EU Member State or Northern Ireland it remains valid for travel to France.
Travel with pets for non-commercial means is limited to five animals.
On arrival in France, pet owners travelling with pets will need to enter through a designated travellers’ point of entry (TPE) e.g. Calais, Dunkirk.
To take an animal from the UK into a Member State, your pet needs:
- a microchip
- proof of a valid rabies vaccination
- an animal health certificate
- tapeworm treatment for dogs if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta
Animal health certificate
The animal health certificate must be established by an ‘official veterinarian’ (OV) no more than 10 days before you travel.
If your vet in not a registered OV, they can help you find someone who is.
To get the certificate, you will need to provide proof of your pet’s microchipping date and their vaccination history.
The certificate will be valid for 10 days for entry into EU/Northern Ireland, 4 months for onward travel within the EU/return to Britain.
For repeat trips, a new health certificate will be required each time.
You do not need a health certificate if your pet has an EU/Northern Ireland issued pet passport.
Additional requirements
You will be required to prove your pet has been treated for tapeworm if you are travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta.
Travelling from France to GB
If you are not travelling with your pet, he/she can travel with someone else if you’ve authorised it in writing. They must arrive in Britain no more than 5 days before or after you, otherwise other rules apply.
You must use an approved route, unless travelling from Ireland.
You must complete a declaration that you are not going to sell or transfer ownership of your pet.
On arrival, you must show ONE of the following documents:
- an EU/Northern Ireland/GB issued pet passport
- an animal health certificate (see above) within 4 months of issue date
You pet must also:
- be microchipped
- have a valid rabies vaccination
- be treated for tapeworm (no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before entering Britain)
Share your stories
Have you recently travelled with your furry friends? Share your experience and send us an email at laura@anglophone-direct.com
