Tailtrip / Routes / European Union → United Kingdom

Bringing a dog or cat from the EU to the UK in 2026: rules and timeline

Plan at least 22 days if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. If both are already valid, plan at least 2 days.

Minimum from scratch: 22 days
If already vaccinated: 2 days
Quarantine: None for pets that meet the rules
Last checked: 3 November 2026

Steps, in order

Start nowMicrochip (ISO 11784/11785), implanted before or at the same visit as the rabies vaccineSkip if already chipped and vaccinated
With or after the microchipRabies vaccine (pet must be at least 12 weeks old), then wait 21 full daysSkip if already chipped and vaccinated
21 days after the rabies vaccineEarliest day the 21-day rabies wait is overSkip if already chipped and vaccinated
4 days before travelTapeworm treatment by a vet, 24 to 120 hours before arrival, recorded in the pet passport (dogs only; not needed directly from Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway)Dogs only
Start nowPets must fly as cargo on an approved route and carrier Official page

Get the dated plan for your trip. Pick your pet and travel date and see every deadline from today.

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Good to know

An EU pet passport works while the rabies vaccine is valid.

Sources

www.gov.uk · official source
www.gov.uk · official source

Confidence. High: every rule confirmed on an official page.

Last checked 3 November 2026. Your vet, the airline and the border authority have the final word. Rules change: check the official pages again before you fly.