Travel Impacts:
Brexit Advice & Information

Time to read: Approximately 3 minutes

The UK's exit from the European Union has brought about significant changes to the recognition of Pet Passports and hence the Travel Rules in this region.

Since 1st January 2021, Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), including the Channel Islands and Isle of Man, has become a 'Part II Listed' Third Country for the purposes of pet travel and therefore is no longer a member of the EU Pet Travel Scheme.

Pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer recognised by EU-member countries or Northern Ireland. So if you are from this part of the world, you will need to follow a different procedure to take your dog from England, Scotland and Wales to the EU or Northern Ireland. This means regrettably, additional documentation, health preparations and checks, every time you travel.  Here is a list of certified veterinarians in England, Scotland and Wales able to provide export health certificates.

Additionally, UK-style pet passports issued in Northern Ireland (NI) up to 31 December 2020 are no longer valid.  However, per the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, as NI remains part of the EU Pet Travel Scheme, travellers from NI can obtain a valid EU Pet Passport from a participating local veterinarian to use as an alternative to the EU Health Certificate.

Please note that a new scheme for pet travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland is set to be launched on 4 June 2025. More information on these new processes under the Windsor Framework can be found at this link. When processes have been finalised, the relevant Authority’s websites will be updated.

Regardless of these changes, TravelPaws recommends that you still travel with your pet passport as it contains valuable information.

Image description below
An illustrated picture of TravelPaws puppy mascots Nixy and Wally sitting side by side. Wally cheekily has his tongue poking out. Nixy is a golden Labrador and wears a green shirt bearing his name. Wally is a black Labrador and wears a purple shirt bearing his name.

We both want the freedom of movement to return for all Handlers in this part of the world.

Travel Rules between countries

In the hope of simplifying the maze, we have linked below the new Travel Rules between:

  • Great Britain and Europe
  • Great Britain and Northern Ireland
  • Northern Ireland and Europe

Between Great Britain and Europe

Travel Rules from Great Britain to EU - GOV.UK perspective

Travel Rules from Great Britain to EU  - Europa.EU perspective

Between Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Travel Rules from Great Britain to Northern Ireland - GOV.UK perspective

Travel rules from Northern Ireland to Great Britain – DAERA perspective

Between Northern Ireland and Europe

Travel rules from Northern Ireland to EU (including Republic of Ireland) – DAERA perspective

 

It may also be helpful to know the following companies which are registered by the Authorities to transport Assistance Dogs back to Great Britain.