Pet Transport United Kingdom to Czech Republic: 2026 Guide

Before Brexit, a UK-issued EU pet passport covered all travel between the UK and EU member states, including the Czech Republic. From January 2021, that changed. GB pet passports are not accepted at EU borders. Every trip to the Czech Republic (and any other EU country) now requires a fresh Animal Health Certificate from an APHA-authorised Official Veterinarian.

The AHC is not a standing document. It is single-trip and valid for 10 days from the date of issue. If you travel to the Czech Republic and then want to return to the UK, you need another AHC, issued by a Czech Official Vet this time, for the return leg. For pet owners who travel regularly between the UK and Czech Republic, this means an OV appointment before every trip.

The AHC itself is not complicated. It confirms the microchip number, rabies vaccination status (confirming the primary course is at least 21 days old), and for dogs the tapeworm treatment details. The APHA-authorised OV completes it in the standard EU format after examining the animal.

Finding an OV: search the APHA website for authorised OVs in your area. Your regular vet may not be an OV, but they can usually refer you. Book the OV appointment at least a week in advance; last-minute appointments are hard to find.

Dogs travelling from the UK to any EU country, including the Czech Republic, need a praziquantel tapeworm treatment before entry. The treatment must be administered by a veterinarian, recorded in the Animal Health Certificate, and timed within a strict window: 24-120 hours before the dog’s scheduled arrival in the Czech Republic.

The AHC and tapeworm treatment happen at the same OV appointment. The OV administers the treatment and records it in the certificate. This means the OV appointment date determines the earliest you can arrive in the Czech Republic (you must wait at least 24 hours after treatment) and the latest you can arrive (treatment becomes invalid after 120 hours).

Practical planning: if you are flying from Heathrow to Prague with a landing at 14:00, the treatment window opens at 14:00 five days before (120 hours) and closes at 14:00 the day before travel (24 hours). An OV appointment two or three days before travel at any reasonable time will fall within the window.

Cats do not need tapeworm treatment for Czech Republic or EU entry from the UK.

London Heathrow to Prague is around two hours. British Airways operates direct flights on this route and accepts live animal cargo via IAG Cargo. For cargo bookings, allow four to six weeks of lead time and confirm live animal acceptance for the specific scheduled flight, as not every aircraft type on the route accommodates cargo pets.

Smartwings (the operating carrier for many Czech Airlines routes) also serves UK airports to Prague and may accept small pets in cabin on some routes. Cabin pet acceptance is subject to weight limits and availability; confirm with Smartwings directly at the time of booking. A two-hour cabin flight is generally a pleasant option for small dogs or cats compared to the cargo hold.

On arrival at Prague Vaclav Havel Airport, Czech border authorities may check the AHC. EU-to-EU pet travel does not go through the same inspection process as non-EU arrivals, but Czech authorities have the right to verify documentation. Have the original AHC accessible and not buried in luggage.

Once in the Czech Republic, your pet does not need to register with a veterinary authority, though it is good practice to register with a local Czech vet if you are staying for more than a short visit.