Latest in 2026! Summary of major changes to EU and New Zealand pet travel regulations.

What is the new EU pet travel regulation that will take effect in April 2026?

Starting April 22, 2026, there will be significant changes to the regulations governing pet travel within and outside the EU. Those planning to travel with their pets to the EU should be aware of the new requirements that will replace the previous EU regulation (EU Regulation 576/2013).

Main Points of Revision

• Proof of origin from an area with no reported rabies cases in the 30 days prior to travel required for pets entering from outside the EU.
• Microchip must be installed before or on the same day as rabies vaccination
• Pet birds must be identified by individual alphanumeric codes, and in some cases, quarantine inspections are required
• In the future, a digital traceability system may be introduced, requiring pre-registration up to 5 days prior to travel
• However, microchipping requirements, rabies vaccination requirements, and travel restrictions of up to five animals for non-commercial purposes remain unchanged.

PetAir JPN supports smooth procedures for pet travel based on the latest regulatory information, so if you are planning to travel to the EU, please contact us.

Enacted in March 2026! New Zealand Import Deregulation

Effective March 1, 2026, the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MPI) will partially relax regulations regarding the importation of dogs and cats from Category 3 countries (countries where rabies is either not present or properly controlled). Japan falls under this Category 3.

Specific changes

• Sealing (sealing) of shipping cages is no longer required
• The relevant language in Veterinary Certificate B needs to be deleted.
• Clarify responses by classifying importing countries into 3 categories

These revisions are expected to simplify some aspects of pet travel from Japan to New Zealand and reduce the burden of procedures.

PetAir JPN provides up-to-date information on travel to New Zealand and handles all procedures on your behalf.

Global Pet Travel Trends and Issues

International pet migration is on the rise, according to Starwood Pet Travel's Global Data Report for 2026. Based on an analysis of nearly 40,000 transport records, the top five destinations for pet migration are as follows

• 1st: United Kingdom
• 2nd: Australia
• 3rd: New Zealand
• 4th: Spain
• 5th: Germany

More than 30,000 of the transport requests are for dogs and 15,000 are for cats, and the reasons for migration range from personal to military, business transfers, and temporary stays.

Major Issues in International Pet Travel

• High transportation costs
• Complex documentation and vet requirements
• Restrictions by Airline
• Risk of last minute travel interruption

To meet these challenges, adequate advance preparation and the support of trusted professionals are essential.

South Korea-U.S. Military Pet Import Issues and U.S. Dog Welfare Measures

In South Korea, 72 U.S. military pets did not meet import requirements during the past year, and three were sent back to the United States. South Korea's requirements are as follows.

• Submit proof of rabies vaccination
• Installation of microchip tied to vaccination
• Submit health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
• Perform FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization) blood test (takes several weeks)

In addition, the USDA, the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Health and Human Services are working together to strengthen the crackdown on dog welfare violators in the United States. Maximum legal action is being taken against illegal dog fighting and other illegal activities, and protection of companion animals is being promoted.

Summary: Regulatory Changes and Preparation Key to Pet Travel in 2026

The year 2026 is the year in which pet travel regulations will be reviewed worldwide, including the EU and New Zealand. The EU's new regulations, in particular, require strict certification for rabies control, and lack of preparation can cause travel problems.

It is important to keep in mind that microchipping and rabies vaccination remain mandatory for pets traveling from Japan, and to be aware of the latest regulations in each country. Also, some countries, such as South Korea, have special requirements, so check the details for each destination.

At PetAir JPN, we update the ever-changing international pet travel regulations in a timely manner, and our expert staff members provide the best travel plans tailored to each individual case. Please consult with us to ensure safe and secure overseas travel for your precious pets.

Reference Links

• Portugal.com - EU Pet Travel Regulations Revised
• New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry - Pet Import Regulations
• Yahoo! Life - 2026 Global Pet Travel Data
• Stars and Stripes - Korean Pet Import Requirements
• USDA APHIS - Increased Crackdown on Dog Welfare Violators