Pet import regulations for the UK
Pet import and export rules vary by country, with specific health certificates, quarantine policies, and customs procedures to follow. Extrordinair provides expert guidance to ensure your pet meets all entry and exit requirements. Explore our country list for detailed regulations or contact us for support.
Not traveling within 5 days of your pet(s)?
Not travelling within five days of your pet(s)? Different rules and documentation apply for pets that are not travelling at the same time as their owners, pets that have been owned for less than 6 months or pets that are being rehomed/sold upon arrival into the UK. Your pets will still be able to arrive in Edinburgh through our Border Control Post, please visit this page for more information
Listed European Union (EU) Countries
Pets traveling from EU countries can enter the UK with a EU Pet Passport. This document confirms that your pet meets all the necessary health and vaccination requirements. All dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before their arrival in the UK. Pets travelling from EU countries will need to be microchipped before or at the same time as their rabies vaccination, and the rabies vaccination will need to be recorded in the EU Pet Passport as well. For dogs travelling from the EU to the UK (except when travelling from Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway), they will need to be treated for tapeworm no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before entry. A blood test is not required, making the process straightforward and convenient for pet owners. As long as the passport is correctly completed and up to date, your pet can travel freely between EU member states and the UK.
EU countries
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Spain
- Sweden
Listed Non-EU Countries
For pets traveling from specific non-EU countries, a GB Pet Health Certificate is required instead of a Pet Passport. This certificate ensures that your pet has received the appropriate vaccinations and meets the entry standards set by the UK. All dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before their arrival in the UK. Dogs must also be treated for tapeworm no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before arrival in the UK. A blood test is not required, simplifying the process for pet owners. These countries have agreements in place with the UK, which allows for a streamlined entry process without the need for additional medical testing. For cats travelling from Australia and pets travelling from Malaysia, additional rules apply.
Europe
- Belarus
- Bosnia-Herzegovina
- North Macedonia
- Russia
Asia
- Bahrain
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
Africa
- Ascension Island (UK Overseas Territory)
- Mauritius
- St Helena
North America
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Barbados
- BES Islands (Bonaire, St Eustatius, Saba)
- Bermuda
- British Virgin Islands
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Curaçao
- Mexico
- Montserrat
- Saint Maarten
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Pierre and Miquelon
- St Vincent and The Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- USA
South America
- Argentina
- Aruba
- Chile
- Falkland Islands
Oceania
- Australia
- Fiji
- French Polynesia
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Vanuatu
- Wallis and Futuna
Approved unlisted Non-EU Countries
Pets arriving from unlisted non-EU countries face stricter entry requirements. They still require the GB Pet Health Certificate, microchip, rabies vaccination and tapeworm treatment (for dogs only). However, a blood test is also required. The blood sample can be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, and the result of the blood test must show that the vaccination was successful with a result of at least 0.5IU/ml. The blood test ensures that your pet has developed sufficient immunity against rabies before entering the UK. This additional requirement means that pet owners should plan their travel well in advance, as you must wait three months from the date the blood sample was taken before they can start their journey to the UK!
North & South America
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Panama
Asia
- China
- India
- Israel
- Jordan
- Korea Republic (South Korea)
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lebanon
- Macao
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Syria
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Turkey
Africa
- Algeria
- Botswana
- Egypt
- Kenya
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Morocco
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Swaziland (Eswatini)
- Zimbabwe
Unapproved Unlisted Non-EU Countries
If your pet is traveling from an unapproved unlisted non-EU country, the entry requirements are even more stringent. Although the entry requirements are the same as approved unlisted countries, if your pet is coming from an unapproved unlisted non-EU country, it may only travel under the EU Pet Travel Scheme and must comply with the 5-day rule. If you are unable to accompany your pet within 5 days of its journey, entry into the UK will not be permitted.
30+ years of care for animals
For over 30 years, we’ve been helping pet owners, breeders, and animal organisations move animals safely and responsibly. We’re proud to meet the highest industry standards as members of BIFA, IATA, and IPATA, and as a certified Authorised Economic Operator (AEO). Our focus is on giving you a reliable, caring service you can feel confident in.
Let us handle the process for you
If you’re unsure about the requirements for your destination or need help preparing the necessary documents, get in touch with our team or request a tailored quote today. We’re here to make your animal transport simple and compliant.