Pet Passport Scheme ends for UK

ValDa replied on 13/12/2020 19:36

Posted on 13/12/2020 19:36

PET TRAVEL UPDATE

We have been informed by the government, last night, that the UK will have ‘Part 2’ listed status for pets traveling to the EU after 01/01/2021.


What this means is that all existing UK Pet Passports (see the attached photo) will no longer be valid for travel from 01/01/2021. We hope this message will be read by anyone holding such a passport, but please forward this information on to anyone you know who has such a document so they can be prepared.


From 2300 GMT on 31/12/20 any pet traveling to the EU from the UK will need to be issued with an ‘Animal Health Certificate’ (AHC) by your vet.


The vital things to know about the AHC is that they are ONLY valid for:
• 10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU – i.e. they cannot be issued to you more than 10 days before you travel
• A single trip for entry to the EU – they cannot be reused
• Onward travel within the EU for 4 months after the date of issue
• Re-entry to GB for 4 months after the date of issue.


Unfortunately, veterinary surgeons are not permitted to issue any AHCs until after 22/12/2020.
These AHC are issued as bilingual documents; you will only be able to enter the EU if you hold the correct document for the country you first arrive in. Thus pet owners cannot change their country entry point into the EU once the AHC is completed, otherwise a new AHC would need to be issued.


In addition, as these are large, 10 page, documents that will require a considerable time to complete, and can only be filled by certified veterinary surgeons, it is likely all veterinary practices will be very limited in the number that can be completed prior to 01/01/2021.


This means there may be delays in the issuing of such documents by veterinary practices, and we thank our clients in advance for their patience with this process at this extremely challenging time.


Finally, it should be noted that animals younger than 12 weeks of age are no longer permitted to be exported, and that travel is not permitted until 21 days after Rabies vaccination.

NutsyH replied on 15/12/2020 10:18

Posted on 15/12/2020 10:18

We have decided that our dog is staying with our daughter in future when we go to France / Spain. Although her rabies is up to date in anticipation (of a since cancelled trip to Spain last March) we can't be ar**d with all the new formalities - also she is 13 now and we don't want to stress her with travelling and potential heat over there in summer.

Thanks for the updates everyone.

Paul

Phishing replied on 15/12/2020 19:05

Posted on 15/12/2020 19:05

So no real change then other than you go to UK vet 10 days before travel instead of going to European vet 5 days before return. Really don't see an issue. 

Boost for UK vets to fill in AHC and no doubt charge handsomely for it rather than one of their continental cousins.

Time to start looking to use those Eurotunnel cancellation vouchers and accommodation deposits!

ValDa replied on 16/12/2020 13:53

Posted on 15/12/2020 19:05 by Phishing

So no real change then other than you go to UK vet 10 days before travel instead of going to European vet 5 days before return. Really don't see an issue. 

Boost for UK vets to fill in AHC and no doubt charge handsomely for it rather than one of their continental cousins.

Time to start looking to use those Eurotunnel cancellation vouchers and accommodation deposits!

Posted on 16/12/2020 13:53

You're right about charging handsomely.  It's a ten page document, and quotes from vets seem to be upwards from £100 per certificate, per trip, so a bit more than the 11 euros my son paid a continental vet for his dog's visit on his last trip.  And even worse for cat owners like us who didn't require the vet visit, just the passport.


Rufs replied on 16/12/2020 14:01

Posted on 15/12/2020 19:05 by Phishing

So no real change then other than you go to UK vet 10 days before travel instead of going to European vet 5 days before return. Really don't see an issue. 

Boost for UK vets to fill in AHC and no doubt charge handsomely for it rather than one of their continental cousins.

Time to start looking to use those Eurotunnel cancellation vouchers and accommodation deposits!

Posted on 16/12/2020 14:01

but if we come out as an "unlisted country" you will have to jump through hoops and pay loads of dosh to get your pouch through the rabies antibody tests undecided

replied on 16/12/2020 16:50

Posted on 16/12/2020 16:50

The GOV.UK website has been updated today to confirm the new arrangement that Val mentioned. Thanks for the heads up. 

SallyD replied on 16/12/2020 21:54

Posted on 16/12/2020 14:01 by Rufs

but if we come out as an "unlisted country" you will have to jump through hoops and pay loads of dosh to get your pouch through the rabies antibody tests undecided

Posted on 16/12/2020 21:54

Tapeworm treatment will still be needed before return so still have to visit vet & spend some of those Euros!

H1UBS replied on 28/12/2020 11:31

Posted on 28/12/2020 10:45 by H1UBS
Content has been removed.

Posted on 28/12/2020 11:31

IGNORE MY REPLY

You were right, it appears my source was wrong. Sorry !

2blackpugs replied on 03/01/2021 12:42

Posted on 03/01/2021 12:42

I've been reading all the updated guidance on the government website and other places. These new certificates are going to be around £100 per dog per trip, which will really add to the cost of our trips a la continent!!

From what I've read it seems that a pet passport issued in the EU (not the UK) is valid or travel both ways.

So is it possible, practical or indeed legal to get new pet passports issued in France on our next trip?? Not that i'm tight or anything, but we have 3 dogs, and travel 2 or 3 times a year.

Any thoughts??

Happy New Year

eurortraveller replied on 03/01/2021 13:29

Posted on 03/01/2021 13:29

Those who have a house in France are certainly getting French / EU pet passports to use when they visit UK, but will a French vet require an address in France before issuing a new passport ?  I can't answer that , so suggest you phone DEFRA to ask. 

Near Malvern Hills Club Campsite by Andrew Cole

Book a late escape

There's still availability at many popular UK Club campsites - find your perfect pitch today for a last minute trip!

Book now
Woman sitting in camping chair by Wastwater in the Lake District with her two dogs and picnic blanket

Follow us on Facebook

Follow the Caravan and Motorhome Club via our official Facebook page for latest news, holiday ideas, events, activities and special offers.

Photo of Wast Water, Lake District by Sue Peace
Visit Facebook