Travelling with Pets from the UK to Poland 2026 – Complete Requirements Guide

Thousands of Poles living in the United Kingdom return home or visit family – and many of them have dogs, cats or ferrets. After Brexit, travelling with a pet from the UK to Poland has become more complicated. The UK is now a third country for the purposes of European Union veterinary law, which means that animals entering Poland from the UK are subject to the same rules as animals from other non-EU countries.

This article covers the procedures in force in 2026. The rules may change – always check the current requirements with the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate or your veterinarian before travelling.

Which Animals Are Subject to Special Requirements?

Dogs, Cats and Ferrets – the Strictest Rules

EU rules on the non-commercial movement of pet animals (EU Regulation 576/2013) cover primarily three species:

• Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)
• Cats (Felis silvestris catus)
• Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)

Other pets (birds, fish, rodents, reptiles) are subject to separate rules and are not covered in this article. For exotic pets we recommend consulting the Chief Veterinary Inspector.

Required Documents and Procedures

1. ISO 11784/11785 Microchip

Every animal (dog, cat, ferret) must be identified with a microchip compliant with the ISO 11784/11785 standard (15-digit code). The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination or on the same day – otherwise the vaccination may be deemed invalid and re-vaccination and a further 21-day waiting period will be required.

AVID microchips (9-digit or 10-digit) used before 2011 may not be readable by standard EU scanners. Check whether your pet's microchip number complies with the ISO standard.

2. Rabies Vaccination

Rabies vaccination is mandatory. Requirements:

• The vaccination must be administered after microchipping (or on the same day, provided the microchip was implanted first).
• At least 21 days must have elapsed between the date of vaccination and the date of entry into the EU (the so-called waiting period for the vaccine to take effect).
• The vaccination must be current – it must not have expired. The validity period is specified by the manufacturer (usually 1 or 3 years).

3. EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC)

Instead of the old EU pet passport (which was valid within the EU), after Brexit an EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is required – a European Commission form issued by an official UK veterinarian.

The AHC must be obtained:

• From an Official Veterinarian (OV) approved by APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency UK).
• No earlier than 10 days before the date of travel.
• The AHC is valid for 10 days from the date of issue until first entry into the EU.

Note: an AHC typically costs from £100 to £250 depending on the veterinary clinic (this is a veterinary service fee – not a customs broker fee). It is a certificate issued individually for each animal – if you are moving with 2 dogs you need 2 separate AHCs.

4. Titer Test – When Is It Required?

On the first entry of a dog or cat from the UK into the EU, border authorities may require confirmation of the effectiveness of vaccination by means of a titer test (antibody titre). The test involves taking a blood sample and having it analysed at an accredited laboratory – the titre must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.

The titer test is not routinely required for every entry – it depends on the decision of authorities at the BCP. We recommend however having a current test (valid for 2 years), particularly on first entry after Brexit.

Where Can You Enter Poland from the UK with a Pet?

Border Control Post (BCP)

Animals from third countries (including the UK) may only enter the EU through a Border Control Post (BCP) – a designated entry point with veterinary services. Entry through an ordinary border crossing or an airport without a BCP is not permitted.

Main entry points into Poland with BCP status for accompanied pets:

• Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) – BCP for accompanied animals.
• Kraków-Balice Airport (KRK)
• Gdańsk Airport (GDN)
• Świnoujście – ferry from the UK (e.g. via Denmark or direct)

The current list of BCPs is available in the TRACES database (European Commission). Before travelling check the latest information on the website of the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate (wetgiw.gov.pl).

Border Procedure

On arrival at the BCP:

1. Report to the veterinary inspection point.
2. The inspector will check: the microchip (scanner reading), AHC, rabies vaccination.
3. On first entry an animal examination and verification of the titer test may be required.
4. Following a positive verification the AHC is stamped – allowing travel with the animal within the EU for the following 4 months.

If the documentation is incomplete or non-compliant, the animal may be held in quarantine or returned to the UK. Quarantine costs are borne by the owner.

Removal Goods and Pets

If you are relocating from the UK to Poland and transporting removal goods at the same time, pets and furniture/personal belongings are subject to entirely different procedures. Removal goods are subject to customs clearance (possibility of duty relief under ToR – Transfer of Residence Relief) – this is where we can help. Transporting a pet is a separate veterinary procedure, unrelated to a customs broker.

Find out more about removal goods clearance from the UK to Poland – our team handles this process comprehensively.

Official Sources

• GOV.UK: Take your pet abroad
• Chief Veterinary Inspectorate (wetgiw.gov.pl)
• European Commission: Movement of pet animals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can my dog/cat from the UK enter Poland without an AHC if it has an old EU passport?

No. After Brexit (from 1 January 2021) an old EU pet passport issued in the UK is no longer accepted by EU veterinary authorities as a valid travel document. An EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an official UK veterinarian is required – no earlier than 10 days before travel. EU passports issued before Brexit may have been temporarily accepted, but that option has expired. Contact APHA or your UK vet for the latest information.

What should I do if my dog was vaccinated before being microchipped?

If the rabies vaccination was given before the microchip was implanted, that vaccination is considered invalid under EU rules. In that situation the animal must be re-vaccinated (after microchipping) and the 21-day waiting period must elapse before entry into the EU. There is no way to circumvent this requirement – review your animal's medical history with your UK vet.

How much does an EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC) cost for a dog or cat?

The cost of an EU Animal Health Certificate depends on the veterinary clinic in the UK and typically ranges from £100 to £250 per animal. The price includes a visit to the Official Veterinarian (OV), examination of the animal and issuance of the certificate. Some clinics charge an additional fee for urgent issuance of an AHC. Indicative figures – contact the veterinary clinic directly for an exact quote.