Taking a Cat to China from the UK in 2026: Everything you need to know
- Dr Gemma Nash
- Feb 9
- 3 min read
Taking a cat from the UK to China is possible, but it involves precise timing, strict rabies rules, and careful route planning. China applies cat-specific requirements (different from dogs), and the Export Health Certificate must be issued very close to departure.
At PassPets, we regularly assist owners travelling to China and can issue the required UK Government Export Health Certificate (EHC 6715) through our Official Veterinarians. Below is a clear, step-by-step overview of what’s typically required.
Step 1: Microchip
Your cat must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785).
The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination used for travel.
The number must match all documentation exactly.
If your cat has a non-ISO microchip, you must confirm acceptance with the Chinese authorities, and owners may be required to travel with a compatible microchip scanner.
Step 2: Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination is mandatory for cats travelling to China.
Key rules:
The rabies vaccination must be administered at least 30 days and less than 12 months before the EHC appointment date (not the travel date).
Cats must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of rabies vaccination.
A rabies vaccination certificate is required and must include:
microchip number
vaccination date and validity
vaccine name, manufacturer, batch number and expiry
(Our standard rabies vaccination certificate template fulfils these requirements.)
Step 3: Plan your travel dates and route
Before booking your certification appointment, confirm:
your intended export date
your full travel route, including any transit countries
This is especially important for China. Approval from Chinese authorities is required if your cat is not travelling directly to China, and additional documentation may be needed depending on where you transit.
Step 4: Export Health Certificate (EHC 6715)
China requires a UK government-issued Export Health Certificate (EHC 6715) issued by an Official Veterinarian.
Timing rules:
the clinical examination must be within 48 hours (2 days) of export
there is no timestamp on the certificate, so the appointment can be any time within this 2-day window
your cat must arrive in China within 10 days of the EHC being issued
At the EHC appointment, our OV will:
perform a full clinical examination
check the microchip
review the rabies vaccination certificate and clinical history
issue the completed Export Health Certificate (assuming all requirements are met)
Appointments are available at our Havant, Bristol and London branches.
Step 5: Airline requirements and Fit to Fly (if applicable)
You must check directly with your airline whether they require a Fit to Fly certificate in addition to the Export Health Certificate.
Airlines may also impose additional requirements relating to:
carriers and crate specifications
documentation checks
animal welfare standards
If required, we can usually issue a Fit to Fly certificate alongside the EHC.
Step 6: Transit countries and indirect travel
If your route involves transiting through other countries, additional requirements may apply.
EU transit: check with the airline, airport or transport company whether an EU Animal Health Certificate is required.
Non-EU transit: check whether an additional Export Health Certificate or permits are required.
Chinese authorities require approval if your cat is not travelling directly to China, so you must confirm acceptance with:
the airline
the authorities of any transit country
the Chinese importing authorities
Non-designated countries
If your cat travels through (not just transits) a non-designated country, China may require two rabies vaccinations followed by a rabies blood test (RNATT). Owners must confirm this directly with the importing authorities and advise us if applicable.
Designated countries include: United Kingdom, Ireland, EU countries listed in guidance, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and others.
Step 7: Returning to the UK (if applicable)
If you plan to return to the UK from China, additional steps are usually required.
This typically includes:
a rabies blood test (rabies serology) taken more than 30 days after rabies vaccination
testing at a government-approved laboratory
confirmation with APHA whether a 3-month waiting period applies before re-entry to the UK
UK re-entry rules are strict and should be considered early in your planning.
Other important considerations
Import permits are not usually required for accompanied cats, but may be required if travelling unaccompanied or for commercial purposes.
China operates a 1-pet-per-person policy. Travelling with more than one cat may require multiple Export Health Certificates and exporters.
There are no banned cat breeds, but airline restrictions should still be checked.
How PassPets can help
Travel to China involves tight certification windows, route-dependent approvals, and strict rabies timing.
At PassPets, we:
review rabies vaccination timing and documentation
advise on routes, transit risks and Chinese approval requirements
arrange the final OV appointment to issue EHC 6715 and any other required documentation
For help taking your cat to China or for a quick quote, click below:
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