Poultry is defined in Council Directives 90/539/EEC (as amended) as fowl, turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, geese, quails, pigeons (not racing pigeons), partridges and ratites. These species are not permitted to be imported as “pet birds” but must instead meet the requirements laid down in Community law for imports of live poultry.

If you are bringing five or fewer pet birds into the UK from EU member states, Andorra, Croatia, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland or the Vatican City State they do not need to be accompanied by a licence, serve home quarantine upon arrival or have any inspection visits by a Local Veterinary Inspector (LVI).

If you are bringing your pet bird from a country other than one listed above, it must be accompanied by a "Family Pet Bird Import Licence", which is issued by Reading Animal Health Divisional Office (telephone 0118 959 6695).

Pet reptiles

Reptiles are cold-blooded, egg-laying vertebrates, e.g. snakes and tortoises.

There are no animal health import requirements for pet reptiles. These animals can be brought into the UK as long as they are accompanied by their owner and a letter from a vet or the owner stating that the animals are fit and healthy to complete the journey.

Pet amphibians

Amphibians are animals that live on land and breed in water, e.g. frogs and toads.

There are no animal health import requirements for pet amphibians. These animals can be brought into the UK as long as they are accompanied by their owner and a letter from a vet or the owner saying that the animals are fit and healthy to complete the journey.

Currently, there is no limit on the number of pet amphibians that an owner can bring into the UK.

Imports from countries outside of the EU

Any imports from non-EU Member States into the UK must be via a Border Inspection Post (BIP).

You must give 24 hours prior notice by a Common Veterinary Entry Document (CVED) which can be obtained from your local Animal Health Divisional Office or BIP. Part 1 must be completed and returned to the BIP on entry into the EU.