Pet travel guide · reviewed 2026-09-25

Taking your cat from the US to United Kingdom

Everything DEFRA / APHA expects before your cat arrives, in the order you need to do it.

Entry requirements

• ISO 11784/11785 microchip

  A 15-digit ISO-compatible microchip, implanted before the rabies vaccination.

  Before rabies vaccination

• Rabies vaccination

  A current rabies vaccination given after the microchip was implanted.

  At least 21 days before arrival

• USDA-endorsed GB health certificate

  Issued by a USDA-accredited vet and endorsed (ink-signed and embossed) by APHIS.

  Arrive within 10 days of APHIS endorsement

• Non-commercial declaration

  Owner declaration that the pet is not being sold or transferred.

  At travel

Step-by-step timeline

1. 1

   6 months out

   • Confirm your route is approved for pet travel into Great Britain.
   • Check the pet is microchipped with an ISO chip before any rabies shot.
2. 2

   1 month out

   • Make sure the rabies vaccine will be more than 21 days old on arrival.
   • Book the USDA-accredited vet for the health certificate and APHIS endorsement.
3. 3

   48 hours out

   • Carry the original endorsed certificate and declaration.

Official sources

• USDA APHIS: US to United Kingdom
• GOV.UK: Bringing your pet to Great Britain

Other routes