Traveling to France with a Dog from the UK or US: The 2026 Customs & Health Checklist

Planning a holiday in France with your four-legged companion? Following Brexit and updated EU border regulations, traveling to France with a dog requires specific veterinary paperwork and strict timelines to ensure smooth customs clearance.

The 4 Non-Negotiable Entry Requirements for France

1. ISO 11784/11785 Compliant Microchip: Your dog must be microchipped before or on the exact same day as their rabies vaccination. The 15-digit microchip must be readable by standard EU border scanners.
2. Valid Rabies Vaccination: The primary rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before arrival in France. Puppies must be at least 12 weeks old before receiving the vaccine, meaning the minimum age to enter France is 15 weeks.
3. Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or EU Pet Passport: Travelers from the UK must obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) within 10 days of entering France. US travelers require a USDA-endorsed EU health certificate. European travelers can use their standard EU Pet Passport with an up-to-date rabies record.
4. Restricted Breeds Check: France strictly prohibits the importation of Category 1 attack dogs without FCI-recognized pedigree papers (Pitbull types, Boerboel types, Tosa types). Ensure your dog does not fall under French restricted classifications.

Returning to the UK: The Mandatory Tapeworm Treatment

If returning to the UK after your French trip, you must visit a registered French veterinary clinic for a certified tapeworm treatment (Praziquantel) administered between 24 and 120 hours (1 to 5 days) before your scheduled arrival back at UK customs (Eurotunnel or ferry port in Calais/Dunkirk). You can easily find open clinics in northern France via our French veterinary directory.

Emergency Vet Assistance in France: Hotline 3115

In case of sudden illness, allergic reaction, or injury during your trip, France operates a nationwide free emergency veterinary hotline: dial 3115 (toll-free from French landlines and mobile networks) to reach the nearest on-call veterinary clinic 24/7.