Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she plans to issue updated guidance on pet passports.

From 22 April 2026, new European Union regulations will apply which will affect the non‑commercial movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets entering the EU from Great Britain. The European Commission have been clear that EU pet passports should only be issued to pet owners who have their main residence inside the European Union.

Updated guidance on travelling to the EU from Great Britain is now available on GOV.UK, and any future updates will be published on the relevant pages.

As announced at the UK-EU Leaders' Summit on 19 May 2025, the UK and EU have agreed to work towards a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area, which will mean taking pets on holiday into the EU will be easier and cheaper. Instead of getting an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) each time they travel, pet owners will be able to get a multiuse pet passport valid for travel to the EU. Until an agreement with the EU is reached, owners will still need an AHC for their dog, cat or ferret(s) if they are travelling from GB (England, Wales and Scotland) to an EU country.

Discussions on the SPS agreement are progressing and the Government has committed, with the EU, to conclude negotiations before the next UK-EU Summit. Whilst these negotiations are ongoing, Defra is unable to provide detailed updates on the talks.