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Pet travel from the United States to Northern Ireland

What you need, in order

  1. Microchip recorded (ISO 11784/11785)
  2. Rabies vaccination valid (on/after the microchip) (Applies for arrival via: Northern Ireland)
  3. EU Animal Health Certificate (APHIS-endorsed) (Applies for arrival via: Northern Ireland)
  4. EU Animal Health Certificate for onward EU travel
  5. Tapeworm treatment (Echinococcus), 24-120h before arrival (Applies to: dog · Waived when departing directly from: Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta, Norway · Applies for arrival via: Northern Ireland)

Recommended lead time: start about 30 days before travel.

Requirements reviewed against the destination authority's published instructions on 2026-09-22. Steps decided outside Petra are listed below.

Verified for direct entry via a Travellers' Point of Entry on the EU Animal Health Certificate. Entry via Great Britain is a two-stage movement under GB rules first.

Last reviewed
2026-09-22
Recommended lead time
30 days
Ruleset
Northern Ireland
Check my trip for this corridor

Requirements

  • Microchip recorded (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Rabies vaccination valid (on/after the microchip)

    Applies for arrival via: Northern Ireland

  • EU Animal Health Certificate (APHIS-endorsed)

    Applies for arrival via: Northern Ireland

  • EU Animal Health Certificate for onward EU travel
  • Tapeworm treatment (Echinococcus), 24-120h before arrival

    Applies to: dog · Waived when departing directly from: Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta, Norway · Applies for arrival via: Northern Ireland

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Owner checklist

  • Enter via a Travellers' Point of Entry Required

    Pets arriving directly into Northern Ireland from a third country must enter through an authorised Travellers' Point of Entry for the EU documentary and identity checks.

    Applies for arrival via: Northern Ireland

  • Give DAERA advance notification Required

    If flying into Northern Ireland from Great Britain (whether travelling under the NI Pet Travel Document or as an NI resident), DAERA requires at least 10 WORKING days' notice before you fly: email daeratradeimports@daera-ni.gov.uk. If entering Northern Ireland directly from a third country under the EU Animal Health Certificate route by air, DAERA requires at least 10 days' notice before your intended travel date, to the same email. If arriving by sea (Belfast Port or Larne Port) under any route, DAERA advises contacting the Traveller's Point of Entry in advance, though it states no fixed notice period for sea arrivals.

    Applies for arrival via: Northern Ireland

  • DAERA documentary and identity checks Required

    Documentary and identity checks are carried out on the non-commercial movement of pets entering NI; present the pet, microchip, and the EU Animal Health Certificate.

    Applies for arrival via: Northern Ireland

  • Travel within 5 days of your pet Required

    For non-commercial movement the owner (or an authorised person) must travel within 5 days of the pet. Outside that window it is treated as a commercial import.

    Applies for arrival via: Northern Ireland

  • Maximum 5 pets (non-commercial) Required

    Up to 5 pets may move for non-commercial purposes in a single movement; more needs the commercial route.

    Applies for arrival via: Northern Ireland

  • Apply for the Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document (PTD) Required

    Residents of Great Britain need a free, lifetime Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document to bring a pet from GB into NI. Apply online via GOV.UK (APHA). The PTD and the pet's microchip are checked at the port or airport.

  • Sign the declaration of no onward EU travel Required

    The PTD includes a declaration that you will not travel onward with the pet to Ireland or another EU country. If you intend onward EU travel you need an EU Animal Health Certificate instead (see below).

  • Northern Ireland resident: microchip only

    If you live in Northern Ireland you do not need a Pet Travel Document to bring your pet from GB to NI — just make sure it is microchipped.

  • Two-stage movement via Great Britain Required

    Entering via Great Britain is a two-stage movement: the pet must first be imported INTO Great Britain under the GB rules (the GB pet health certificate, APHIS-endorsed), and then moved GB->NI. Petra evaluates the GB->NI leg here; complete the GB import separately as its own trip.

    Applies for arrival via: United Kingdom

Primary sources

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Frequently asked questions

How far ahead do I need to start?

Petra's recommended lead time for the United States to Northern Ireland is 30 days before travel.

What certificate do I need?

EU Animal Health Certificate (APHIS-endorsed) Applies for arrival via: Northern Ireland

What is this based on?

Petra's Northern Ireland ruleset for this corridor, last reviewed 2026-09-22 (see Primary sources below).

Is this verified?

Requirements reviewed against the destination authority's published instructions on 2026-09-22. Steps decided outside Petra are listed below.

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