GETTING A PASSPORT

• PLAN AHEAD – if you need a passport, allow minimum of 6 weeks to get it processed and returned to you.
• Do I need a FEI Passport or a USEF National Passport?
  • Lower-Level FEI (USEF National Passport): Generally, 1* and 2* levels, and some specific junior/young rider classes.
  • Higher-Level FEI (FEI Passport/Recognition Card): 3* and above, and Championships.
• Be sure your Vet is familiar with properly identifying markings. The requirements for proper identification are must stricter than for a routine coggins.

Key FEI Identification Requirements

• Microchip:15-digit microchip (ISO 11784/11785) is mandatory, with the chip number recorded in the passport.
• Diagram:A detailed, veterinarian-verified diagram showing the left side, right side, face, muzzle, and limbs, clearly marking white areas, whorls, and other acquired marks.
• Written Description:A precise written description that matches the diagram.
• Essential Data:
  • Horse Name:Must match the name registered with the FEI.
  • UELN/Passport Number:Unique Equine Life Number (15-digit alphanumeric).
  • Birth Date/Age:Date of birth.
  • Sex & Color:
• Ownership:Name and address of the current owner(s).
• Validation:All identification, diagrams, and descriptions must be validated with a veterinarian’s signature, name, and stamp.
• Revalidation:FEI passports must be revalidated every 4 years. 
• Familiarize yourself with which vaccines are required to be recorded in your passport as well as the frequency. (SEE BELOW)
• Be sure your Vet understands what the requirements are for entering the vaccination required. Again, they must be recorded in your passport in a certain way.
• FEI regulations mandate that all horses competing at FEI events must have up-to-date Equine Influenza (EI) vaccinations recorded in their passport and the FEI HorseApp, with 2026 rules enforcing digital registration. Vaccinations must be administered by a veterinarian, detailing the vaccine name, batch number, and date. Boosters are required within 6 months +21 days of the last dose. 

Key FEI Vaccination Requirements & Recording (Passport & FEI HorseApp)

• Mandatory Vaccine: Equine Influenza (EI) is mandatory for all horses entering FEI events.
• Primary Series (Pre-2024): V1 (initial), V2 (21-92 days after V1), and 1st Booster (within 7 months of V2).
• Primary Series (As of Jan 1, 2024): V1, V2 (21-60 days after V1), and 1st Booster (within 6 months +21 days of V2).
• Booster Intervals: Subsequent boosters must be within 12 months, but for competition, the last booster must be within 6 months +21 days of arrival.
• Vaccination Deadline: No vaccination (booster or primary) can be given within 7 days of arrival at an event.
• Recording Details: The passport must contain the date, vaccine name, and batch number, signed and stamped by the veterinarian.
• FEI HorseApp (2026 Update): All vaccination details must be entered into the FEI HorseApp by a veterinarian on the same day as administration.
• Errors: Incorrect entries must be crossed out with a single line and corrected, with initials; no correction fluid is permitted. 

• Failure to comply with the 6-month booster requirements may result in fines. While tetanus is not mandatory, it is highly recommended and should also be recorded if given. 

• Your horse’s passport is a valuable document, as is your passport. Keep it in a safe place and don’t forget to keep it up-dated – EVEN if you are not planning another FEI competition. It will follow them for life.
• Download the FEI HorseApp(2026 Update) onto your phone

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY PASSPORT AT THE SHOW

• Your passport will be collected by the Veterinarian at your first Arrival Exam (In-Barn). This will happen before you are allowed to go to your stall.
• The Veterinarian will keep your passport throughout the competition under lock and key.
• They will use it to identify your horse at the First and Third Horse Inspections
• They WILL check to make sure the markings are done correctly and that your vaccinations are up-to-date and entered correctly. There is a possibility of fines, depending on the degree of mis-information in your passport. Especially vaccination recording errors or omissions.
• Your passport will be stamped by the Veterinarian that records the competition and the date and location of the competition. This is a permanent record of your horse’s FEI career.
• All passports will be available for pick-up at the Show Office once the last horse in your level finishes the competition. UNLESS, your horse has been selected for Drug Testing or the Veterinarians/Officials ask to hold it.
• All horses must be checked out by the OC using the FEI Horse App. It is YOUR responsibility to double check this is done when you pick up your passport or you might risk a fine from the USEF/FEI.
• If you must leave the grounds with your horse prior to the end of the competition, pick up your passport before leaving the grounds. You must check out with the OC on the FEI Horse App. At this point, the Vet may still have your passport in which case, the OC will help you locate your passport for checkout.