How much is a dog passport in the UK in 2026? The short answer: the old EU pet passport is no longer valid for GB residents, so most people now pay for an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). A typical AHC costs £100-£250 per trip from a UK vet, plus any rabies, microchip or tapeworm fees if they are due.
Important: April 2026 Rule Change
EU pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer accepted for entry into the EU as of 22 April 2026. Northern Ireland residents can still use pet passports under the Windsor Framework. For GB residents, the Animal Health Certificate (AHC) replaces the pet passport for every trip.
Dog Passport Cost UK 2026 at a Glance
| Item | Typical UK cost | Notes |
|---|
| Animal Health Certificate (AHC) | £100 - £250 | Issued by an Official Veterinarian; valid for one trip into the EU and up to 4 months for re-entry |
| Rabies vaccination / booster | £50 - £70 | Given at least 21 days before first travel; boosters keep it valid |
| Microchip | £20 - £35 | One-off if not already done; must be before rabies vaccination |
| Tapeworm treatment (dogs returning to UK) | £10 - £30 | Given 1-5 days before UK arrival by a vet; cats and ferrets exempt |
| Rabies blood titre test (non-EU only) | £80 - £150 | Not needed for EU travel; only for certain non-EU destinations |
If your dog already has a microchip and up-to-date rabies vaccination, the minimum cost is usually just the AHC fee of £100-£250. From scratch, expect around £250+ for the first trip.
Northern Ireland Owners
If you live in Northern Ireland, the rules are different under the Windsor Framework. NI residents can still use EU pet passports for travel between NI and the EU, including the Republic of Ireland.
Travelling to Non-EU Destinations
Beyond the EU, individual country rules apply:
- Switzerland and Norway: Treat as EU entry — same AHC document.
- Middle East (UAE, Qatar): Specific import permits required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my old EU pet passport from GB?
No. Since 22 April 2026, GB-issued EU pet passports are not accepted for travel into the EU. You need an AHC for every trip.
Why is the AHC so much more expensive than the old passport?
It's not necessarily more expensive over a lifetime — it depends entirely on how often you travel. For occasional travellers (one or two trips a year), the AHC costs more cumulatively. For frequent travellers (5+ trips a year), the gap closes.
Is the AHC accepted by all 27 EU countries?
Yes. The AHC is a standardised document accepted across the entire EU and EEA.
Can I get an AHC at a regular vet practice?
Only if the practice has an Official Veterinarian (OV) on staff. Not all practices do. Check before booking.
Is the Animal Health Certificate the same as a dog passport?
No. The old EU pet passport was a small booklet valid for life (with up-to-date vaccinations). The UK Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is a 10-page document valid for one EU trip only. You need a new AHC each time you travel from Great Britain into the EU. Northern Ireland pet owners can still use EU pet passports.
How much is a dog passport in the UK in 2026?
GB residents no longer get a dog passport. The replacement document, an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), typically costs £100-£250 per trip from a UK Official Veterinarian. Add £50-£70 for a rabies jab, £20-£35 for a microchip, and £10-£30 for tapeworm treatment if those are also due. Northern Ireland residents can still use an EU pet passport, which only needs annual rabies boosters.
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