A clear, friendly guide from Golf del Sur Properties
If you’re living in Tenerife or visiting your second home with your furry companion, it’s important to understand the current pet‑travel rules. The Canary Islands follow the same regulations as the rest of Spain, and the rules differ depending on where your pet passport was issued.
Here’s the updated 2026 guidance to keep your pet’s travel smooth and stress‑free.
🇪🇺 EU Pet Passports (Including Spain)
If your pet has a Spanish or EU‑issued pet passport, you can use it to travel:
- From Tenerife to Great Britain
- Anywhere within the EU
- Between EU territories, including the Canary Islands
These passports remain valid as long as:
- Vaccinations are up to date
- Your pet meets all entry requirements for the destination country
For most Tenerife‑based pet owners, this is the simplest and most convenient option.
🇬🇧 GB‑Issued Pet Passports
A GB‑issued EU pet passport is no longer valid for travel to:
- Spain
- The Canary Islands
- Any EU country
- Northern Ireland
If your pet only has a GB‑issued passport, you must speak to your vet before travelling to obtain the correct documents.
📄 What You Need If Travelling From the UK to Tenerife
If your pet is travelling from Great Britain to Spain (including Tenerife), you will need:
- An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an official vet
- Proof of microchip
- A valid rabies vaccination
- Tapeworm treatment (for some destinations, not required for Spain)
Your vet will guide you through the process and ensure you meet EU Pet Travel Regulations.
🌍 Travelling With Pets in the EU
If you are travelling within the EU — for example, Tenerife → mainland Spain → France — your EU pet passport is all you need, provided vaccinations are current.
Always check:
- Rabies validity
- Booster deadlines
- Any country‑specific requirements
🇮🇪 Travelling to Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland follows EU pet‑travel rules, not GB rules.
This means:
- A GB‑issued passport is not valid
- An EU passport or AHC is required
Check requirements before travelling, as rules can change.
✔️ Always Check the Destination Country’s Rules
Each country may have additional requirements such as:
- Tapeworm treatment
- Specific timeframes for vaccinations
- Approved entry points
- Breed restrictions
Before travelling, always check the latest rules for your destination.
🌴 Pet Travel Made Easy
Whether you’re flying into Tenerife South with your dog, hopping over to mainland Spain, or heading back to the UK for a visit, having the right documents keeps the journey smooth.