Summary of the latest EU, UK, and New Zealand pet overseas travel restrictions for 2026

The latest travel regulations are essential information for those planning to move or stay overseas with their pets for an extended period of time. 2026 will see a series of major revisions and tightening of regulations in major destinations, including the EU, the UK, and New Zealand. This article summarizes the latest trends as of February 2026 and explains key points for smooth overseas pet travel.

EU's new pet travel regulation to take effect April 22, 2026.

The EU has revamped its pet migration system since 2013, with new regulations coming into effect on April 22, 2026. This will further strengthen pet entry controls from outside the EU to EU member states and tighten health certificate requirements.

Major Changes

• ✅ Certificate from an area with no reported rabies cases required within 30 days prior to travel
• ✅ Individual identification codes (alphanumeric) are required for pet birds. In some cases, quarantine and inspection.
• ✅ Plans to move to a digital traceability system. Pre-registration 5 days prior to travel may be mandatory in the future
• ✅ Number of pets that can be transported at one time remains unchanged at 5

Authorities in Portugal and other EU member states will issue detailed guidance by April 22. It is important to prepare for your pet's international travel as soon as possible.

New Zealand Pet Import Restrictions Relaxed from March 1, 2026

New Zealand has eliminated the crate seal requirement for pet imports from Category 3 countries (countries where rabies is present or controlled) effective March 1, 2026. Japan falls under this category.

• ✅ Simplified import procedures by allowing transportation without crate seals

This makes it easier for you to prepare for your dog or cat traveling with you from Japan to New Zealand, and PetAir JPN provides transportation support that complies with the latest New Zealand regulations, so you can rest assured that the hassle-free procedures will be taken care of.

Stricter UK pet import regulations and mandatory electronic travel authorization

The UK continues to impose strict requirements for pets entering from "unlisted countries" in 2026. Japan falls under the category of unlisted countries and the following requirements must be met

Main prerequisites for UK pet entry

• ✅ Microchip installed
• ✅ Rabies vaccination
• ✅ Proof of antibody titer of 0.5 IU/ml or higher in antibody test after 30 days
• ✅ 3-month waiting period after blood collection
• ✅ Dogs only, treatment for echinococcus (striped worms) 24-120 hours prior to entry

In addition, from February 25, 2026, Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will be mandatory for travelers to the UK. Incomplete documentation or failure to obtain an ETA may result in repatriation to the country of departure and expensive quarantine fees.

2026 International Pet Transportation Trends and Issues

According to Starwood Pet Travel's 2026 Global Report, there were over 40,000 international pet shipments, with the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and Germany topping the list of popular destinations. Dogs and cats remain in high demand with over 30,000 and 15,000 moves, respectively.

Reasons for travel are becoming more diverse, with an increase in military transfers and business as well as personal emigration abroad, and pet purchases and temporary stays abroad. Pets are increasingly being treated as "non-negotiable members of the family" rather than mere animals.

Major Challenges Faced in International Pet Transport

• ✅ High transportation costs
• ✅ Complex documentation and vet requirements
• ✅ Airline restrictions and routing restrictions
• ✅ Risk of last minute trip interruption

To meet these challenges, an accurate understanding of the latest regulations and systematic preparation are essential, and PetAir JPN offers total support for comfortable and safe international travel for your pets based on our extensive experience.

Summary: Points to Prepare for Pet Travel Abroad in 2026

• ✅ Check health certificate issuance areas and contents in preparation for new EU regulations (effective April 22)
• ✅ Take advantage of simplified transportation procedures with the abolition of the New Zealand Crate Seal.
• ✅ Be prepared early for travel to the UK to meet strict requirements, including antibody testing and echinococcus treatment.
• ✅ Be sure to check the latest travel rules, including Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
• ✅ Understand the challenges of international pet shipping, including costs, documentation, and airline restrictions, and utilize professional services you can trust

PetAir JPN provides support based on the latest pet travel regulations and will do its utmost to help you and your beloved family members travel overseas.