BRITISH PET OWNERS planning to travel to Spain with their animals are facing increased costs and bureaucracy after an unexpected change to EU Pet Passports rules for required travel documents.
With effect from yesterday, Wednesday 22nd April 2026, British-resident pet owners can no longer travel with their animals under the EU Pet Passport scheme and must instead obtain a new Animal Health Certificate (AHC) each time they enter Spain or any other EU country.
Many regular visitors and holiday home owners in Orihuela Costa obtain a Pet Passport for their cat or dog locally in Spain to ensure economical, hassle-free travel for their animals and to avoid the expense of an AHC.
The UK left the EU Pet Passport scheme on January 1st 2021, following the end of the Brexit transition period, but the UK continues to accept EU-issued Pet Passports for inbound travel to Great Britain.
However, UK residents can no longer use any EU Pet Passport (including those issued by veterinary practices in Spain) to enter any EU country from Great Britain.
Mandatory Animal Health Certificates replace EU Pet Passports
Guidance on the GOV.UK website states “If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, you should not use a Pet Passport (even if it was issued in the EU). If you use a Pet Passport, your pet may be refused entry into the EU.”
The new rules do not apply to residents in Northern Ireland, with residents maintaining their rights under the EU Pet Passport scheme. But the rules do apply to British residents planning to travel to Northern Ireland.
A statement on Your Europe, the official website of the European Union, reads “EU Pet Passports issued to a pet owner resident in Great Britain are no longer valid for travel with pets from Great Britain to an EU country or Northern Ireland.”
Instead, UK resident pet owners must travel with an Animal Health Certificate. An AHC costs around £100 to £150, is valid for 10 days once issued, and can only be used to enter an EU country once.
Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa, or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.
Photo credit: Real Federación Española de Voleibol
