Is a Tortoise Legal in the UK? CITES Rules 2026
Tortoises are legal in the UK but require a UK-specific CITES import permit. Post-Brexit, EU Article 10 Certificates are no longer valid — a common mistake that catches many tortoise owners.
Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is listed under CITES Appendix II — one of the most strictly controlled pet species in Europe. All movement across borders requires CITES documentation. In the EU, captive-bred tortoises registered under the system can move with an Article 10 Certificate.
- ⚠️ CITES status: Appendix II (all Testudo species)
- ⚠️ Article 10 Certificate: Required for commercial use and cross-border movement within EU
- ⚠️ Export/import permits: Required for non-EU destinations
- ❌ Australia: No exotic reptiles permitted
UK Rules for Tortoises
UK: Tortoise (Hermann's) Legal Status
⚠️ Legal but requires CITES permits. The UK applies CITES Appendix II rules independently post-Brexit.
- CITES import permit — required to bring a tortoise into the UK from any country.
- CITES export permit — required from the country of origin.
- Article 10 Certificate — not valid in UK post-Brexit; need UK-specific permits instead.
- APHA approval — apply to Animal and Plant Health Agency before import.
- Microchip/marking and health certificate required.
Post-Brexit, the UK no longer recognises EU Article 10 certificates. This is a common mistake — always get a UK CITES import permit.
Official sources
- UK Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) — Import of pet animals ↗
- CITES UK — species permits ↗
- EU CITES Management Authority ↗
- CITES Species Database ↗
Get ready for the trip
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FAQ
Is it legal to keep a tortoise in the UK?
Yes. Tortoises are popular pets in the UK, but all Hermann's tortoise movement requires CITES documentation.
Do I need a CITES permit to bring a tortoise to the UK?
Yes. You need a UK CITES import permit from APHA and a CITES export permit from your origin country.
Is my EU Article 10 Certificate valid in the UK?
No. Post-Brexit, EU Article 10 Certificates are not accepted in the UK. You must obtain UK-specific CITES permits for import.
Can I travel to the UK with my tortoise from Spain?
Yes, but you need a UK CITES import permit (apply to APHA in advance), a CITES export permit from Spain's MITERD, and a vet health certificate.