Pet Transport UK to France: Post-Brexit Documentation in 2026
Since Brexit, UK pets entering France require an Animal Health Certificate rather than the old GB pet passport. The process takes 4-8 weeks from start to travel date and involves an appointment with an Official Veterinarian. The Eurotunnel …
The United Kingdom to France pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
What your pet needs to enter France
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
What this route typically costs
Critical points to read before you book
GB pet passports (issued in Great Britain) are NOT valid for entry into France or any EU country. Post-Brexit, UK pets require an Animal Health Certificate issued for each journey. This applies even if you have an old GB pet passport with valid vaccinations recorded in it.
The AHC is valid for 10 days from the date of issue for EU entry. It cannot be used for a return journey from the UK. Each trip from the UK into the EU requires a new AHC.
Certain breeds are restricted in France under dangerous dog legislation: Category 1 dogs (including Pit Bull Terrier types and Boerboel) are banned, and Category 2 dogs (including American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Tosa) require a muzzle and lead in public. These are in-country rules, separate from import entry rights.
Foot passengers on Eurotunnel cannot bring pets. Only vehicles can carry animals through the tunnel. If travelling without a car, the ferry or air option applies.
APHA-authorised OVs can be difficult to find at short notice. Book your appointment 2-3 weeks ahead, even though the examination itself must happen within 10 days of travel.
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
Why the GB pet passport no longer works for France
Before Brexit, UK-issued pet passports were accepted across the EU for pet travel. Since 1 January 2021, Great Britain became a third country relative to the EU, and EU member states no longer accept GB pet passports issued in England, Scotland or Wales.
Northern Ireland (which remained within the EU single market for animal movements under the Windsor Framework) has a different arrangement and may still use EU pet passports. This guide covers pets travelling from Great Britain.
For Great Britain to EU travel, you now need an Animal Health Certificate for each journey. The AHC is issued by an Official Veterinarian (a vet specifically authorised by APHA to issue government health certificates), covers the same microchip, vaccination and health information as the old passport, and is valid for 10 days from issue for EU entry. Once in the EU, it remains valid for 4 months of onward EU travel.
The 21 days, and the tablet France does not want
Great Britain is a listed third country for EU entry, which is the reason there is no rabies antibody test on this route. What there is instead is a waiting period, and it is short.
The animal must be at least 12 weeks old for its primary rabies vaccination, and you then wait at least 21 days before travelling. If your pet already holds current, unlapsed cover, that wait does not apply again.
Worth knowing if France is not your final stop: dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland need tapeworm treatment against Echinococcus multilocularis, given between 24 and 120 hours before arrival. France requires none of it. Owners driving on from France to Ireland are the ones who get caught, because the requirement attaches to the country you are entering rather than the one you left.
Eurotunnel vs ferry vs flying: which is right for your pet?
Eurotunnel: The most popular option for UK to France moves with a dog. The crossing takes 35 minutes, and your pet stays in your car throughout. No crate required, no separation from you, no cargo handling. You drive onto the train at Folkestone and drive off in Coquelles, France. The main limitation: foot passengers cannot use this option.
Ferry: Dover to Calais (P&O or DFDS) takes 90 minutes. Your pet typically stays in your car during a short crossing. Some ferries have designated pet exercise areas on deck. Longer ferry routes (overnight crossings) may have on-board pet kennels. Check the specific ferry company’s policy.
Air cargo: British Airways, Air France and other carriers offer cargo pet services on the London to Paris route. This is significantly more expensive and adds stress for the animal compared to driving, unless you are moving internationally and air is the only option. Most UK to France pet moves drive.
Common questions about United Kingdom to France pet transport
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