🐾 Nemo’s Nose for News: The 2026 EU Travel Shake-Up

Woof! It’s Nemo here. 🐕

I’ve been sniffing around the latest regulations coming out of Brussels, and if you’re planning a European vacation with your humans this spring, you need to prick up your ears.

On April 21, 2026, a big change is landing: EU Regulation 2016/429 (the "Animal Health Law") fully takes over.

ReviewNemo the Pointer

What’s Changing? (The "RUFF" Guide)

While the basics (microchips and rabies shots) are staying the same, the paperwork is getting a lot stricter.

1. The "Resident-Only" Passport Rule

This is the big one. In the past, some non-EU pups (like us Americans or Brits) could use an EU Pet Passport if we traveled there often. That loophole is closing.

• The New Rule: EU Pet Passports are only for pets whose owners actually live in the EU.
• What You Need: If you live in the US or UK, you will likely need a fresh Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every single trip. No more "forever passports" for tourists.

2. The "5-Day" Clock is Ticking

The "5-Day Rule" is being strictly enforced.

• The Rule: You (the pet) must travel within 5 days of your owner.
• The Risk: If you miss that window, your trip gets classified as a "Commercial Import." That means way more taxes, way more paperwork, and a huge headache at customs.

3. Bird Brains Beware 🦜

Traveling with a feathered friend? The limit is now capped strictly at 5 birds per trip, with tougher isolation rules.

Nemo’s Travel Tips

1. Book the Vet NOW: Getting an AHC isn't a walk in the park. Vets are going to be swamped with these new rules. Book your appointment at least a month before you fly.
2. Check Your Microchip: If your chip can't be read, you can't fly. Have your vet scan it before you leave for the airport.
3. Don't Wing It: Customs officers are not falling for "puppy dog eyes" anymore. If your paperwork has a typo, you get turned around.

Stay safe, travel smart, and keep your tails wagging!

— Nemo 🐾