Rules checked on 10 October 2026 against official sources

Taking your dog to France from the UK

A dog from England, Scotland or Wales enters France on an animal health certificate signed by an official veterinarian, valid for entry for 10 days after it is issued. A pet passport is not accepted. Wait at least 21 full days after the rabies vaccine before you arrive, and plan the tapeworm treatment for the way home.

Preparation
4 weeks
starting from scratch
Rabies antibody test
No
Quarantine
None
Travel document
Health certificate
10 days of validity for entry

Plan your dog's trip

The rules, one by one

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my dog's pet passport to travel from the UK to France?

No. If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, you cannot use a pet passport to enter the EU, even one issued in an EU country. Your dog needs an animal health certificate for each trip.

How long is the animal health certificate valid for France?

It is valid for entry for 10 days, counting the day it is issued as day 1, and that period is extended by the length of a sea crossing. It then stays valid for 6 months for onward travel in the EU and for your return to Great Britain, unless your dog's rabies vaccine expires during the trip.

Does my dog need a rabies blood test to go to France from the UK?

No. Great Britain is listed in Annex II of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636, so a dog from Great Britain enters France without a rabies antibody test. The rabies vaccine itself is still required, and the certificate is issued at least 21 full days after it.

Does my dog need tapeworm treatment to go to France from the UK?

No. The treatment before entry applies only to dogs going to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway. You do need it before you come home: a vet treats your dog no less than 24 hours and no more than 5 days before you enter Great Britain.

Will my dog be quarantined when we come back to the UK?

Not if you follow the rules for entering Great Britain. If you do not, your dog may be put into quarantine for up to 4 months, or refused entry if you travelled by sea.

Check before you go

Checked on 10 October 2026

Rules can change. Check them with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Pet Travel helpline for the certificate and the way home, and French customs for entry into France before you book.

Visit gov.uk
See the sources (15)

For the trip to France

For the way home

Have your dog's Animalert profile ready before you leave

Install AnimalertScan to install, or tap this cardApp Store and Google Play, freeMake your posterIf your dog goes missing during the trip