From 22 April 2026, you can’t use an EU pet passport if you’re a Jersey resident and travel to:
You can only get an EU pet passport if your main residency is in the EU.
If you live in Jersey, your pet needs an Animal Health Certificate (AHC).
Even if your EU pet passport was issued before 22 April 2026, it may not be accepted. Your pet can be refused entry if you travel with the wrong documents.
You can return to Jersey with:
- an EU or Northern Ireland pet passport
- a pet passport issued in Great Britain before 1 January 2021
This guidance applies if you live in:
- Jersey
- other Channel Islands
- Isle of Man
- England, Scotland or Wales
Find more details about these changes in APHA Briefing Note 14/26 on GOV.UK.
What are Animal Health Certificates (AHCs)
An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is an EU health certificate and allows your dog, cat or ferret to travel from Jersey to the EU or Northern Ireland.
An AHC:
- allows 1 entry into the EU or Northern Ireland
- must be used within 10 days of issue (the day of issue is day 1)
- allows onward travel within the EU and Northern Ireland for up to 6 months, while the rabies vaccination is valid
- allows re entry to Great Britain and Jersey for up to 6 months, or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever is sooner
If your final destination is another EU country, the AHC must be endorsed at your point of entry.
You need a new AHC for each trip. An AHC can’t be reused.
If you travel without a valid AHC, your pet may be refused entry. Some countries have extra rules, you should always check requirements for your destination.
For advice, email us at rva@gov.je.
Getting an AHC
To get an AHC:
- contact your vet in plenty of time before you travel
- make sure your pet meets all health requirements, including microchipping and rabies vaccination and tapeworm if applicable
Your vet must issue the AHC in the official language of the country where you enter the EU or Northern Ireland.
For example, if you enter via St Malo, the AHC must be in French, even if you are travelling on to another country.
If your vet does not have the correct language version, they can order one. This may take a few days.
What your pet must have to travel
Your pet can enter the EU or Northern Ireland only if it:
- has a readable microchip
- is vaccinated against rabies
- was vaccinated after microchipping
- was at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination
- was vaccinated at least 21 days before travel
- has a valid entry document
- has tapeworm treatment 1 to 5 days before arrival (for certain dogs and countries only)
- enters through a travellers’ point of entry
- travels with you, or within 5 days of you
You, or the authorised person named on the AHC, must sign a declaration to confirm the movement is non commercial. You may need to show proof of travel, such as ferry or flight bookings.
If your pet does not travel with you or within 5 days, extra requirements apply.
For advice, email rva@gov.je or phone +44 (0) 1534 441600.
Your pet should be fit and healthy to travel. Read guidance on your pet’s welfare while travelling.
Additional requirements for Northern Ireland
If you travel to Northern Ireland from Jersey, either directly or via Great Britain, and your pet’s passport was issued in Northern Ireland, contact your vet before you travel.
Read guidance on taking pets to Northern Ireland on the NIDirect website.
All other entry requirements must still be met.
Dogs: tapeworm treatment and other diseases
Your dog must have tapeworm treatment if you travel to:
- Northern Ireland
- Republic of Ireland
- Malta
- Finland
- Norway
Treatment must be given by a veterinary surgeon 24 to 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before arrival. Your vet will record this in the AHC or pet passport.
Ticks and other diseases
Speak to your vet about tick treatment and disease risks in the country you are visiting.
Taking pet food to the EU or Northern Ireland
You can take up to 2 kilograms of pet food for medical reasons if it:
- does not need refrigeration
- is packaged and branded
- is unopened, unless currently in use
Your vet may issue a private certificate to confirm the need for medicated food.
EU Commission guidance on taking pet food into the EU
If your pet travels without you
If your pet travels without you, you must complete a declaration for your official veterinarian to confirm:
- the accompanying person is authorised for the journey by you
- your pet will travel within 5 days of you
- your proof of travel, such as ferry or flight bookings which should accompany your pet
Extra requirements apply if this condition is not met.
How many pets you can travel with
You can only travel with a maximum of 5 pets to the EU:
- 5 pets per private vehicle
- 5 pets per foot passenger (check with your carrier on their limits)
This applies for non commercial movements.
Travelling with more than 5 pets to the EU
You cannot travel with more than 5 pets to the EU unless you’re attending or training for a competition, show or sporting event.
You’ll need written evidence of registration for the event when you travel.
All your pets must:
- be attending the event or training
- be over 6 months old
- meet the pet travel rules
You must complete a declaration to confirm you won’t sell or rehome your pets.
Declaration form for moving more than 5 pets for a competition or show
If you travel with more than 5 pets for other reasons, check the entry rules of the country you are visiting or email rva@gov.je.
Travelling to the rest of the world
To take your dog or cat to a country outside the EU you need to:
- tell your vet
- email the rva@gov.je
- ask about getting an Export Health Certificate (EHC) issued in Jersey
Application for an Export Health Certificate (EHC) for dogs and cats
Your vet must complete the EHC and send a copy to us.
Your pet must also meet all entry requirements of the country you’re travelling to.
Countries with EHC agreements
We have EHC agreements with:
- Australia
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Hong Kong
- New Zealand
- Republic of South Africa
- Singapore
If there is no agreement, one may be prepared. This can take several months.
Dogs not allowed in other countries
Some countries ban certain types of dogs. Always check the rules of the country you’re travelling to before you leave.
Find guidance on going to France with your pet on the Douanes et Droits Indirects.
gov.je