Pet Travel Requirements: United Kingdom to France
Statutory transit rules for taking dogs and cats from the UK to France via Eurotunnel LeShuttle, cross-channel ferries, or Eurostar (assistance dogs only).
Can I travel with my pet from United Kingdom to France? Yes. Companion dogs and cats can enter France from United Kingdom under non-commercial regulations established by French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty (DGAL) & EU DG SANTE (Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 & French Rural Code Article L211-14). Entry requires an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, rabies vaccination with a 21 days minimum waiting period, exempt / not required, and an endorsed UK Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or EU Pet Passport. Compliant pets are eligible for 0 days quarantine.
Key Route Factors at a Glance
Exempt / Not Required
Great Britain is a Part 2 listed country under EU Regulation 577/2013. No rabies serological titer test is required.
0 Days Quarantine
Direct clearance through Eurotunnel Pet Reception Centre in Folkestone or ferry terminal pet control in Dover.
21 Days Minimum
21-day latency window for primary rabies vaccine. AHC must be issued within 10 days of travel.
UK Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or EU Pet Passport
Must be issued by an accredited Official Veterinarian (OV) within 10 days of French border crossing.
Statutory Requirements Checklist
Every requirement must be met in strict chronological order before departure.
Category 1 Import Ban
Sequence Protocol: Border Inspection: Verified by French border police and Eurotunnel attendants.
The 4-Step Preparation Timeline
Follow this verified corridor timeline to prevent border delays or invalid document rejections.
ISO 11784/11785 Microchip
Confirm microchip is active and readable.
Rabies Vaccination
Administer vaccine and observe 21-day latency period.
Official Veterinarian AHC Exam
Veterinarian completes bilingual French-English Animal Health Certificate.
Pet Reception Centre Check-in
Staff scans microchip and reviews paperwork before vehicle boards shuttle or ferry.
Frequently Asked Questions: United Kingdom to France
Q:Can my dog travel on Eurostar between London and Paris?
No. Eurostar strictly does not permit companion pets on passenger trains through the Channel Tunnel, with the sole exception of certified guide and assistance dogs.
Q:How does pet check-in work on Eurotunnel LeShuttle?
Pet owners must check in at the dedicated Eurotunnel Pet Reception Centre at Folkestone. Attendants scan the microchip and cross-reference your AHC or EU Pet Passport. The pet remains with you in your vehicle during the 35-minute tunnel transit.
Q:Can I bring a Pitbull into France for a holiday?
No. Category 1 attack dogs (unregistered Pitbulls, Boerboels, and Tosa types without recognized kennel club pedigree) are strictly banned from entering or transiting French territory under severe penal code penalties.
Government regulations strictly prohibit or restrict the import of specific dog breeds into France:
- Category 1 (Attack dogs without pedigree e.g. Pitbulls, Boerboels - strictly banned from France)
- Category 2 (Guard dogs with pedigree e.g. Rottweilers, American Staffordshire - require muzzle, leash, and insurance)
Traveling from United Kingdom to France with your pet?
Upload your pet's vaccination records and microchip certificate. We verify vaccination dates, 21-day latency windows, and USDA health certificate deadlines against official French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty (DGAL) & EU DG SANTE rules in seconds.
Run Free Route Compliance Assessment→