The United Kingdom (consisting of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) left the European Union on January 31, 2020. Although the UK is still geographically part of Europe, it no longer belongs to the European Union. As a result, the rules for traveling with pets between the EU and the UK have changed.

General

The dog or cat must be identified by means of a microchip and must have a European passport.

Please note: European travelers need a valid passport (not an identity card) and an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the United Kingdom. The ETA can be applied for via the official website.

Customs

Pets must enter Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) via approved routes and carriers. Upon arrival, your pet's microchip and documents will be checked. This inspection may also take place before boarding, for example if you are traveling by ferry or Eurotunnel.

You must also complete a declaration stating that you do not intend to sell your pet or transfer its ownership. This form can be downloaded from the official website.

Vaccinations

The dog or cat must be vaccinated against rabies. The first vaccination must be given at least 21 days before departure, and must be repeated within the validity period. A vaccination after this period is considered a first vaccination and is only valid again after 21 days.

A puppy/kitten must be at least 12 weeks old when receiving its first rabies vaccination, which means they can only cross the border from the age of 15 weeks.

Deworming

An anti-Echinococcus treatment is mandatory for all dogs, including puppies, to enter Norway. This treatment is not required for cats. The treatment must be administered by a veterinarian using medicine containing praziquantel or similar active substances.

As a main rule, the treatment must be administered 24 to 120 hours (1-5 days) before entering. All treatments must be recorded by the veterinarian in the pet passport.

You do not need to treat your dog if you are coming directly from Finland, Ireland, Malta, or Norway.

Transportation

The dog or cat must not interfere with the driver and must be protected against sudden movements or in case of an accident. This can be achieved through a securely fastened car crate, a special harness attached to the seat belt, or a closed luggage compartment with a safety net or barrier.

Leash requirement

In the United Kingdom, leash regulations are determined locally and may vary by location. In most public spaces, parks, and nature areas, your dog must be kept on a leash, unless otherwise indicated by signs.

Exceptions for specific breeds

In the United Kingdom, certain dog breeds are prohibited. The following dog breeds are not allowed to enter the United Kingdom: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and XL Bully (banned in England and Wales). This prohibition also applies to crossbreeds where one or more of these breeds are present.

Whether a dog belongs to a prohibited type depends on how the dog looks, not on the breed or name. If your dog resembles a Pit Bull Terrier, for example, it may be considered a prohibited type.

These dogs are not admitted to the United Kingdom under any circumstances, unless they already have a valid Certificate of Exemption.

Traveling with more than 5 animals

When traveling with more than five animals, they must undergo a clinical examination, and their passport must include an additional certificate issued by the official veterinarian of the country of departure. The animals will then be subject to commercial transportation regulations.

The non-commercial transportation rules still apply when transporting more than five animals for participation in competitions, exhibitions, sporting events, or training, as long as the animals are older than 6 months and the owner can provide written proof of participation.