What You Need to Know About ATA Carnets for Horses and Horse Transportation

What Is an ATA Carnet for Horses?

Under customs rules, horses are treated as goods which means they can be included in an ATA Carnet. This internationally accepted document allows for the temporary export and import of horses and related gear without extra charges, provided the trip is temporary.

A carnet works as a financial guarantee to foreign customs authorities. If the horses don’t return within the agreed period, duties and taxes may be charged. But as long as everything comes back as planned, there are no extra fees. That makes this document useful for situations where permanent relocation isn't intended, like travelling for an event, training visit, or breeding programme.

When You Might Need a Carnet

You’ll need to arrange a carnet whenever horses travel internationally for a short-term purpose. Common scenarios include:

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• Competitions and events – Whether you're attending a championship or show abroad.

• Training – Taking a horse to a specialist trainer or facility overseas.

• Breeding programmes – Temporary export for stud services or participation in breeding shows.

• Demonstrations or exhibitions – For breed showcases or public events.

What matters most is that the horse is returned to the UK within the set validity period (maximum 12 months). Carnets aren’t suitable for horses sold abroad or staying permanently.

Benefit of Using a Carnet for Horse Transportation

There are several benefits for using a carnet when transporting horses internationally:

• Avoid import fees – Without one, horses may be classified as permanent imports and attract customs charges.

• Speed up customs checks – Border staff recognise the carnet and process it more quickly.

• Use it for multiple trips – A single document can be valid for up to 12 months and cover multiple entries and exits.

• Include equipment – Saddles, tack and trailers can all be listed alongside the horse.

• Know your costs – With a carnet, you’ll avoid surprise charges from customs on arrival.

For live animals, avoiding delays isn’t just a matter of convenience, it’s also important for their welfare. The quicker the process, the less stressful it is for both horses and handlers.

What to Keep in Mind

Using a carnet involves more than just filling out a form. A few key points to know:

• Everything must return – Horses and listed equipment need to come back to the UK within the document’s validity (up to 12 months).

• Detailed identification – You’ll need to include the horse’s passport number, microchip ID, colour, sex, and other details.

• Health documents still required – The carnet only covers customs. You still need veterinary certificates, horse passports, and health paperwork for each country.

• Stamps matter – Customs must stamp the document when you enter and leave each country. Missing these can lead to penalties.

• Plan ahead – You can’t add more horses after the carnet is issued, so make sure the full travel list is ready before you apply.

Applying for a Carnet

The process is straightforward and our team will help ensure you follow all the key steps.

When requesting your carnet, you will need to provide:

• Full horse details – Name, passport number, chip ID, breed, height, sex, colour, and place of birth.

• Travel plans – Destination countries, departure dates, reason for travel, and how long you’ll be away.

• Value estimates – Each horse’s estimated worth in British pounds.

• Equipment list – Saddles, tack, or anything else accompanying the horse.

Processing typically takes 24–48 hours, though faster services are available for urgent trips. Costs vary depending on the total value covered, length of time abroad, and number of countries visited and we’ll advise you of the charges and delivery time before we submit your application. You’ll also need to factor in any security deposit or guarantee linked to the application.

The paperwork might feel daunting, but our team knows the carnet system and understand the requirements for horse travel so can help relive the burden from you. We can check your forms, avoid errors, and save you time at borders.

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An ATA Carnet can make international horse transport much easier by avoiding delays, cutting through red tape, and preventing unnecessary charges. While it won’t replace the need for health or veterinary documents, it does simplify the customs process and help your travel plans stay on schedule.

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If you're preparing for an international trip with horses and want to avoid last-minute stress, getting the carnet organised early is a smart move. Contact our team to discuss your requirements and organise your documents.