Pet cats (live) 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Cats entering the UK must be microchipped, rabies vaccinated, and accompanied by a valid Animal Health Certificate or GB Pet Passport.
Can I bring Pet cats (live) into United Kingdom?
Cats entering the UK must be microchipped, rabies vaccinated, and accompanied by a valid Animal Health Certificate or GB Pet Passport.
Up to 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel; 6 or more requires commercial import process
- ISO microchip (15-digit)
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or GB Pet Passport
- Tapeworm treatment certificate (dogs only, not cats)
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
Under the UK Pet Travel Scheme (post-Brexit), cats must have: ISO-standard microchip implanted before or at same time as rabies vaccination; rabies vaccination administered by authorised vet; an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued no more than 10 days before travel (from listed countries) or a GB pet passport. Entry is only permitted through designated Pet Travel Scheme routes. DEFRA governs these requirements under the Pet Travel Regulations.
Book your vet appointment for the AHC no earlier than 10 days before travel. Enter only through a DEFRA-approved route (most major airports qualify). Have all documents ready for Border Force inspection.
Up to 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel; 6 or more requires commercial import process
- ISO microchip (15-digit)
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or GB Pet Passport
- Tapeworm treatment certificate (dogs only, not cats)
UK Pet Travel Scheme; The Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
This page covers destination customs rules in United Kingdom. Whether you can carry pet cats (live) through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Related rules
Pet cats (live) rules in other countries
Pet cats (live)
🇺🇸 United States
Cats may enter the US with proof of rabies vaccination if arriving from a country where canine rabies exists; additional CDC requirements apply.
Pet cats (live)
🇦🇺 Australia
Cats may only enter Australia from approved countries and must undergo mandatory quarantine of at least 10 days.