Regulations that support international travel

There is a range of regulation, both at national and European level, that is designed to support you with travel with your guide or assistance dog using domestic and international modes of transport. This page outlines the regulations and where comprehensive information can be obtained about UK national interpretation and scope of those regulations.

The Equality Act 2010 which replaces the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in England Scotland and Wales, protects the rights of people with protected characteristics including disabled people (except in some elements of domestic maritime travel). More guidance on The Equality Act 2010.

The Disability Discrimination is the Act in Northern Ireland which protects the rights of disabled people.

EC regulation No. 1107/2006 concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air

This EC regulation protects the rights of people with a disability and those with reduced mobility, including guide and assistance dog owners and their dogs, and the obligations placed on airports and airlines and their agents to facilitate their safe and comfortable carriage.

Governance for this in the UK is undertaken by the Department for Transport (DFT) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

EU regulation No. 1177/2010 concerning the rights of passengers when travelling by sea and inland waterway 

This EU regulation protects the rights of people with a disability, and those with reduced mobility, including guide and assistance dog owners and their dogs, and the obligations placed on shipping operators, their vessels, terminals and ports, and their agents, to facilitate their safe and comfortable carriage.

Governance for this in the UK is undertaken by the Department for Transport (DFT) and their agency the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

EU regulation No. 181/2011 concerning the rights of passengers on bus and coach transport

This EU regulation protects the rights of people with a disability and those with reduced mobility, including guide and assistance dog owners and their dogs, and the obligations placed on bus and coach operators and the terminals they use to facilitate their safe and comfortable carriage.

Governance for this in the UK is undertaken by the Department for Transport (DFT).

EC regulation No 1371/2007 on Rail Passengers' Rights and Obligations

This EC regulation outlines the rights of passengers travelling by rail across Europe.

Governance for this in the UK is undertaken by the Department for Transport and the Office of the Rail Regulator.