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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with the European Commission on the implementation of pet travel requirements for animal travelling from the UK to the EU.

From 22 April 2026, new European Union regulations apply regarding 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.

Securing less burdensome arrangements for non-commercial pet travel remains a UK Government priority. 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.

Discussions on the SPS agreement are progressing, and we have committed, with the EU, to conclude negotiations before the next UK-EU Summit.