Big Changes to Pet Travel Rules Between the UK and Spain Come Into Force This April

EU Pet Passports No Longer Accepted From the UK

Starting April 22, 2026, UK pet owners face stricter enforcement of EU pet travel regulations. EU-issued pet passports will no longer be accepted for travel from Great Britain to the European Union — regardless of when they were issued.

The change affects anyone travelling with pets between the UK and Spain, and could have a significant impact on expats, frequent travellers, and those splitting their time between the two countries.

Why Is This Happening?

The EU's Animal Health Law, introduced in 2016, stipulates that EU pet passports are intended exclusively for animals habitually resident within the EU. Since Brexit classified UK pets as coming from a non-EU country, these passports should technically no longer have been valid.

However, enforcement was lax for several years. That changes on April 22, when the rules will be strictly applied.

What You Need Instead

UK residents travelling to Spain (or any EU country) with pets must now obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an Official Veterinarian before each trip. Key requirements:

• Must be issued within 10 days of travel
• Valid for a single journey only
• Cost typically starts around £90 per pet
• A new certificate is required for each trip

This means frequent travellers with pets will face significantly increased time and expense compared to the old EU pet passport system.

What Stays the Same

Requirements for bringing pets back into the UK from Spain remain unaffected by this change. The new rules only apply to the outbound journey from the UK to the EU.

What Pet Owners Should Do Now

• Book a vet appointment well in advance of your travel date — Official Veterinarians can be busy
• Ensure your pet's rabies vaccination is up to date
• Allow enough time for the AHC to be issued within the 10-day window
• Verify current entry requirements with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) before departure

For those who travel regularly between the UK and Spain with their pets, this is one of the most significant practical changes since Brexit.

This article is based on reporting from Spanish News Today, published April 20, 2026. Pet travel rules are subject to change — always check the latest requirements before travelling.