Pet entry requirements: Cat → United Kingdom
These are the requirements for entering United Kingdom with a cat, based on a departure from Germany/the EU. Requirements can change — always confirm with the relevant authority before you travel.
🔴 Required
Microchip Required
Microchip required, implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination; ISO 11784/11785 (otherwise bring your own reader).
Rabies vaccination Required
Rabies vaccination required before travel; at least 21 full days wait after the first vaccination (or last of the primary course); vet needs proof the pet is at least 12 weeks old; booster must be kept up to date. Numbers only from gov.uk (single publisher).
Minimum age / young animals Required
>=15 weeks (full rabies vaccination; no young-animal exemption).
Why 15 weeks? The rabies vaccination can only be given from 12 weeks of age, and it becomes valid 21 days later — so ~15 weeks is the earliest an animal can travel. This is the harmonised EU rule (Reg. 2016/429) and applies to travel within the EU too.
Health certificate Required
From an EU country the pet needs an EU pet passport, an AHC issued in Great Britain within the last 6 months, or a Great Britain pet health certificate (which must enter GB within 10 days of issue).
🟡 Recommended
Import permit Not required
No permit (listed country)
Rabies titer test Not required
No (Germany is a listed country)
Other tests Not required
No additional vaccinations required
Parasite treatment Not required
No tapeworm requirement for cats
Quarantine Not required
None if compliant; otherwise up to 4 months
Registration Not required
Standard
🐾 Local rules (in-country)
These apply on the ground in the destination country — to everyone, not as an entry condition — and depend on the breed and situation (e.g. public transport, listed breeds).
Breed restrictions On site
No breed restrictions for cats
Muzzle / leash On site
None (cat)
⚠️ Notes & grey zone
Notes
Approved route; max. 5 pets (non-commercial); Official source: gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain
Related destinations in Europe
Andorra · Austria · Belgium · Bulgaria · Switzerland
Airlines flying this route
From data on flown routes — not a pet-policy guarantee. Check the airline's own pet policy before booking.
Air Berlin · American Airlines · British Airways · Lufthansa
Check this route & airlines in detail →Authority: DEFRA / APHA (Pet Travel Scheme)
Read at the responsible authority on 30/09/2026. 📄 Official source ↗
Check your specific route & airlines →For informational purposes only. Regulations change frequently — verify with the relevant authorities before travel.