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 …
Reviewed by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant on 31 August 2026
Step by step
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.
1
Confirm microchip is ISO-standard and pre-dates rabies vaccination
Responsible: Vet to confirm
Verify now. This is the most common documentation error.
2
Confirm rabies vaccination is current and 21-day wait is complete
Responsible: Vet to verify
At least 21 days must have passed since the first vaccination in the primary course.
3
Book Eurotunnel crossing, ferry crossing, or air cargo space
Responsible: Owner
Book your transport method first, especially for popular dates.
4
Find and book appointment with APHA-authorised Official Veterinarian
Responsible: Owner
Book 2-3 weeks ahead. OV appointment must be scheduled within 10 days of travel.
5
OV issues Animal Health Certificate
Responsible: APHA-authorised OV
Within 10 days of travel date
6
Travel to France via chosen route
Responsible: Owner
On travel date. Present AHC at French border inspection post if required.
Which France rules depend on a pet coming from the United Kingdom?
The EU sorts non-EU countries into groups, and the United Kingdom falls in “Listed third countries and territories, Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636”.
No rabies antibody titration test needed. Animal health certificate, microchip and rabies vaccination still required; entry through a travellers' point of entry with documentary and identity checks. Montenegro and Serbia were added by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228. The EUR-Lex text of 2026/636 lists the USA as including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. Official source
The rules that apply to every pet entering France, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our France guide.
What does the United Kingdom require before your pet leaves?
We are still checking the export rules of the United Kingdom against official government pages, so they are not shown here yet.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Eurotunnel vehicle booking: £60 to £200 depending on date and peak season surcharge
Ferry crossing: £50 to £180 depending on ferry company and route
AHC from Official Veterinarian: £150 to £400 depending on vet and location
Air cargo: £400 to £1,200 from Heathrow for the air route option
Pet transport agent fee if used: £200 to £800
Total typical range (driving): £200 to £600
Total typical range (air): £700 to £2,000
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.
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.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
BRITISH
British Airways / Air France
No pets in cabin on transatlantic-configured aircraft. Cargo service available for the air route. Air France allows small dogs and cats in-cabin on European flights from Paris.
Cargo Only
EUROTUNNEL LE
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle
Pets travel in the car throughout the 35-minute crossing. Most popular option for UK to France moves. Foot passengers cannot bring pets.
Cargo Only
DFDS / P&O
DFDS / P&O Ferries
Dover to Calais or Dunkirk. Pets stay in the car during crossing or in designated pet kennels for longer sailings. Foot passengers check ferry-specific pet policies.
Cargo Only
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.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about United Kingdom to France pet transport
No. The 21-day waiting period after the primary vaccination course (or the first vaccination if your dog has never been vaccinated before) is mandatory before EU entry. If your dog was vaccinated 15 days ago, you must wait 6 more days before travelling. The Official Veterinarian cannot issue the AHC until the 21-day period is complete.
Not all vets are authorised to issue AHCs. You need an OV specifically accredited by APHA. The GOV.UK website has guidance on finding OVs, and many veterinary practices can refer you to an OV they work with for international certificates. Specialist pet transport agents in the UK also have established relationships with OVs. Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance, though the examination appointment itself must be within 10 days of travel.
Yes, but each trip from the UK into France still requires a new AHC. The AHC is not reusable. For a short holiday, the cost of the OV appointment (£150 to £400) applies every time. Some owners find this expensive for brief trips. There is currently no simplified process for frequent short trips with pets post-Brexit, though this has been discussed by the UK and EU authorities.
Yes. Cats, dogs and ferrets all require the Animal Health Certificate for UK to France travel. The core requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, 21-day wait) apply equally to all three species. There is no tapeworm treatment requirement for cats and ferrets on the outbound UK to France journey (though dogs returning to the UK from France do need tapeworm treatment).
Airline guides
British Airways / Air France
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle
DFDS / P&O Ferries
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.