United Kingdom
How long you can stay, how long your vehicle can, and what your dog or cat needs to cross. Every rule links to the official source.
- Last checked 12 Oct 2026
Your rules for United Kingdom
You · American passport
Up to 6 months per visit
Get the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you travel.
gov.uk · Official source · Checked 11 Oct 2026
Your vehicle · United States plates
Up to 6 months in any 12
It comes in on a temporary import with the Temporary admission (relief claimed on form C110, 'nothing to declare' channel).
gov.uk · Official source · Checked 12 Oct 2026
Your dog or cat
Start at least 22 days out
From a listed country (e.g. US, Canada): microchip, rabies vaccine, wait 21 days, GB pet health certificate endorsed by the government vet within 10 days of arrival, approved route; tapeworm 24-120 h before arrival. See the steps
gov.uk · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026
Watch United Kingdom.
We'll email you if United Kingdom's rules change for your American passport, United States plates or your pet. That's the only email you'll get.
What your pet needs to cross into United Kingdom.
Do these in order. Miss one and your pet can be held at the border.
- Before you go
Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
Your pet must be microchipped before, or on the same day as, its rabies vaccination. If the chip goes in after the vaccine, the vaccine must be repeated.
- On or after the microchip
Rabies vaccination
A vet gives an inactivated or recombinant rabies vaccine approved in the country of use. The pet must be at least 12 weeks old.
- At least 22 days after the rabies shot
Wait 21 full days after the primary vaccination
You can enter Great Britain only after at least 21 full days have passed since the first vaccination (or the last dose of the primary course). Day 1 is the day after vaccination.
- Still valid the day you arrive
Rabies vaccine still valid on arrival
Your pet's rabies vaccine must still be valid on the day you cross. Check the 'valid until' date on the vaccination record and book a booster before it runs out.
- Within 10 days before you arrive
Great Britain pet health certificate
An official veterinarian authorised by the exporting country's government signs, stamps and dates the Great Britain pet health certificate. The pet must enter Great Britain within 10 days of issue.
- Within 10 days before you arrive
Government endorsement of the certificate (if your vet is not an official vet)
If the certifying vet is not an official veterinarian, the certificate must be signed, stamped and dated by the government veterinary authority (e.g. USDA APHIS) before travel.
- Within 10 days before you arrive
Sign the non-commercial declaration
Complete the declaration that you will not sell or transfer ownership of the pet. If someone else travels with the pet, you must authorise them in writing and the pet must travel within 5 days of you.
- 1 to 5 days before you arrive
Tapeworm treatment by a vet (dogs only) (dogs only)
A vet treats your dog with praziquantel (or equivalent) no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you arrive in Great Britain, and records product, date and time.
- By the day you arrive
Book an APHA-approved route and carrier
Pets must enter England or Scotland on an approved air, sea or rail route with an approved company. The carrier checks the microchip and documents at check-in before you board.
- At the border
Microchip and document check
Your pet's microchip and documents are checked, usually by the carrier at check-in (ferry/Eurotunnel) or by the animal reception centre at the airport. Non-compliant pets are quarantined for up to 4 months or refused entry.
gov.uk · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026. The app works these dates backward from your travel day and reminds you.
Every passport in United Kingdom
| Passport | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Up to 6 months per visit | gov.uk · Checked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Argentina | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Up to 6 months per visit | gov.uk · Checked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Australia | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Up to 6 months per visit | gov.uk · Checked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Austria | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Up to 6 months per visit | gov.uk · Checked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Belgium | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Up to 6 months per visit | gov.uk · Checked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Brazil | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Up to 6 months per visit | gov.uk · Checked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Up to 6 months per visit | gov.uk · Checked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Canada | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Up to 6 months per visit | gov.uk · Checked 11 Oct 2026 |
Every registration in United Kingdom
| Registered in | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Temporary import | Up to 6 months in any 12 | gov.uk · Checked 12 Oct 2026 |
| Argentina | Temporary import | Up to 6 months in any 12 | gov.uk · Checked 12 Oct 2026 |
| Australia | Temporary import | Up to 6 months in any 12 | gov.uk · Checked 12 Oct 2026 |
| Austria | Temporary import | Up to 6 months in any 12 | gov.uk · Checked 12 Oct 2026 |
| Belgium | Temporary import | Up to 6 months in any 12 | gov.uk · Checked 12 Oct 2026 |
| Brazil | Temporary import | Up to 6 months in any 12 | gov.uk · Checked 12 Oct 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Temporary import | Up to 6 months in any 12 | gov.uk · Checked 12 Oct 2026 |
| Canada | Temporary import | Up to 6 months in any 12 | gov.uk · Checked 12 Oct 2026 |
A plain-language summary of the official rules, checked on the date shown. It isn't legal advice, and the officer at the desk always has the final word.
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