It's not just the EU, if you look on the Gov website there's a list of the countries they accept passports from. If it's not on the list you need a Great Britain Health Certificate instead.
British residents are no longer able to get pet passports as of 22nd April 2026 due to a change from the eu commission. Citizenship is irrelevant but residency is the key. It’s being enforced as of 22nd April 2026 and any pet passport held by a GB resident will now be invalid (old or new)
It is here https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-eu-rules-for-pet-travel-for-gb-residents
Pet passports can still be used to ENTER GB (however vets in EU may no longer issue them to GB Residents. May countries won’t anymore). But these passports are rendered invalid when travelling OUT of GB to EU.
I know. However it’s common for people to get pet passports this way because they often may go via eu, and it’s cheaper because they think they can use it for subsequent trips which you can’t anymore. It probably is still cheaper to do it, especially if they never plan to travel out of GB again. However the point still stands in that since the law changed many EU nations won’t issue passports anymore.
I wanted to bring it to attention because people aren’t aware of this rule change.
Ah I see, that makes sense. It's really not clear on the government guidelines unless you go to that article you shared so thats really helpful for anyone not aware! (Myself included)
Hi you’re welcome to try my new website for pet in cabin guidance https://www.petsincabin.com/. It’s still in progress and I’m only a pet mum so any feedback is welcome too!
No, there is no airline from Moldova that accepts pets in cabin or cargo on flights to London. Our plan is to travel to France first, then cross by pet taxi or ferry. The issue is not the transport, I'm ready to walk if needed lol, it's ensuring she meets the right criteria.
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Individual_Bat_378@reddit
Has she got a passport? Our cats needed that to come to the UK as rescues from Bulgaria.
jojnitza@reddit (OP)
She does have a passport but it not European.
Moldova is not in the EU so her passport is not recognised.
Individual_Bat_378@reddit
It's not just the EU, if you look on the Gov website there's a list of the countries they accept passports from. If it's not on the list you need a Great Britain Health Certificate instead.
Substantial__3166@reddit
British residents are no longer able to get pet passports as of 22nd April 2026 due to a change from the eu commission. Citizenship is irrelevant but residency is the key. It’s being enforced as of 22nd April 2026 and any pet passport held by a GB resident will now be invalid (old or new)
Individual_Bat_378@reddit
Fair enough. Weird that Gov.uk hasn't updated.
Substantial__3166@reddit
It is here https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-eu-rules-for-pet-travel-for-gb-residents
Pet passports can still be used to ENTER GB (however vets in EU may no longer issue them to GB Residents. May countries won’t anymore). But these passports are rendered invalid when travelling OUT of GB to EU.
Individual_Bat_378@reddit
Ok but this person is travelling into GB and not from the EU.
Substantial__3166@reddit
I know. However it’s common for people to get pet passports this way because they often may go via eu, and it’s cheaper because they think they can use it for subsequent trips which you can’t anymore. It probably is still cheaper to do it, especially if they never plan to travel out of GB again. However the point still stands in that since the law changed many EU nations won’t issue passports anymore.
I wanted to bring it to attention because people aren’t aware of this rule change.
Individual_Bat_378@reddit
Ah I see, that makes sense. It's really not clear on the government guidelines unless you go to that article you shared so thats really helpful for anyone not aware! (Myself included)
Pinny-pop@reddit
Hi you’re welcome to try my new website for pet in cabin guidance https://www.petsincabin.com/. It’s still in progress and I’m only a pet mum so any feedback is welcome too!
Local_Beautiful3303@reddit
Are you planning on flying her back?
A friend of mine flew a rescue in a couple of months ago using Airpets near Heathrow and they were great making sure everything was done correctly.
https://airpets.com/our-services/
jojnitza@reddit (OP)
No, there is no airline from Moldova that accepts pets in cabin or cargo on flights to London. Our plan is to travel to France first, then cross by pet taxi or ferry. The issue is not the transport, I'm ready to walk if needed lol, it's ensuring she meets the right criteria.
DeapVally@reddit
You wouldn't be able to fly with them in the cabin on any airline. UK rules. Flying out of the UK is less strict, but that's not your issue.
Local_Beautiful3303@reddit
Thats a bit pants (not accepting pets).
You could give them a call and ask what's needed, the worst they can do is refuse to give you any advice, but they should know what you need
Uhura-hoop@reddit
Have you tried the government’s pet travel helpline? 03000 200 301. It might be worth trying to speak to someone direct.
jojnitza@reddit (OP)
I'll give it a go.
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