Travelling Abroad with a Horse from the UK: What Changed Post-Brexit
A 2026 guide to taking a horse from the UK to the EU — TRACES, blood tests, health certificates, and typical costs.
The short version
Since Brexit, UK horses travelling to the EU are treated as third-country imports. That means a vet-signed Export Health Certificate (EHC), TRACES pre-notification at the border, and — for many destinations — blood tests within a specific window before travel.
This isn't a barrier; it's paperwork. Plan it four weeks out and it's fine.
What you need
- Valid passport with vaccinations up to date
- Export Health Certificate (EHC) signed by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel
- Blood tests where required (EIA is standard; some destinations add others)
- TRACES NT pre-notification submitted by an EU-based agent
- Border Control Post (BCP) entry — you can't just drive off the ferry and go
Typical UK-to-EU costs in 2026
- Vet visit + EHC: £250–£500
- Blood tests: £80–£200
- TRACES agent fee: £75–£200
- BCP inspection fee: €40–€80 per horse
- Ferry/tunnel with a horsebox: £350–£700 return
Add the cost of the transporter itself if you're not driving.
Time it right
Start at least four weeks before travel. Book the OV visit, get the bloods off to the lab, apply for the EHC, brief your TRACES agent. Rush it and you'll miss the ferry.
Coming back
Return journeys have their own paperwork. If you're going to a competition and back, make sure your transporter or agent handles both legs before you leave.
Use a specialist
For anything beyond a short competition trip, use a UK equestrian transporter that runs EU routes weekly. They know the paperwork, the border posts, and the shortcuts.