Bringing a pet to Albania

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Albania’s pet import rules are moderate but not uniform—requirements depend on where your pet is travelling from, with stricter rules for pets from higher-risk countries. There is no routine quarantine for compliant pets from low-risk areas, but animals from high-risk origins may face additional testing or isolation. Expect to provide a valid rabies vaccination, microchip, and health certificate, and always check the specific origin-based rules for your pet’s species before travel.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Albania.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine date, and validity
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, signed by an official government-endorsed veterinarian
  • Microchip proof (registration document or certificate)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the Albanian National Food Authority (AKU).

No additional requirements for free-origin countries.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine date, and validity
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, signed by an official government-endorsed veterinarian
  • Microchip proof (registration document or certificate)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the Albanian National Food Authority (AKU).

No additional requirements for low-risk origin countries.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine date, and validity
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, signed by an official government-endorsed veterinarian
  • Microchip proof (registration document or certificate)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the Albanian National Food Authority (AKU).

No additional requirements for high-risk origin countries.

Frequently asked questions

No, Albania does not require a rabies titer (FAVN) test for dogs from any origin country. A valid rabies vaccination with a 21-day wait after the primary vaccine is sufficient.
Albania generally allows up to 5 dogs per person under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 5, commercial import regulations may apply, requiring additional documentation and fees.
No, Albania does not provide exemptions for emotional support or service dogs. They must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate requirements as any other pet dog.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the dog's arrival in Albania. It must be signed by an official government-endorsed veterinarian.
Yes, the microchip must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant. If your dog's microchip is not ISO-compliant, you must bring your own compatible scanner.
No, the minimum age for rabies vaccination is 12 weeks, and the vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel. Puppies under 15 weeks old cannot meet the 21-day wait and therefore cannot enter until they are old enough.
Albanian border authorities may refuse entry, quarantine the dog at your expense, or require immediate compliance. It is safest to ensure all requirements are met before travel.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Albania.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate (EU model Annex IV or equivalent)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
  • Pet passport (if from EU/EEA country)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, pet passport (if needed) ~$50-100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Albanian National Food Authority (AKU).

Albania accepts the EU pet passport from EU/EEA countries. No additional import permit or titer test needed for cats from rabies-free territories.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate (endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
  • Pet passport (if from EU/EEA country)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, pet passport (if needed) ~$50-100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Albanian National Food Authority (AKU).

Albania does not require a rabies titer test or import permit for cats from low-risk countries. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Health certificate (endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN) certificate
  • Import permit from Albanian National Food Authority (AKU)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees ~$50-100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Albanian National Food Authority (AKU).

Cats from high-risk rabies countries must have a negative FAVN titer test and an import permit from AKU. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Albania follows the EU model: you may bring up to 5 cats (or dogs/ferrets) per person on a non-commercial trip. If you bring more than 5, commercial import rules apply, requiring a different set of documents and potential customs duties.
No. The EU pet passport is only issued by EU/EEA countries. For cats from the US, UK, or other non-EU countries, you need a health certificate endorsed by the competent authority (e.g., USDA in the US, APHA in the UK) and a rabies vaccination certificate. The pet passport is not valid for those origins.
No. Albania does not recognise emotional support animals under its pet import rules. Service cats (e.g., for medical alert) are also not exempt from standard microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, or titer test requirements. You must follow the same rules as for any pet cat.
The blood sample for the FAVN titer test must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and at least 3 months before your travel date to Albania. The result must show a rabies antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/mL.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of your arrival in Albania. If it expires during transit, you may be denied entry or your cat could be quarantined at your expense. Plan your vet visit so the certificate is valid on the day you cross the border.
No. For cats from low-risk countries (including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most of Europe), no import permit is needed. Only cats from high-risk rabies countries require an import permit from the Albanian National Food Authority (AKU).
Most airlines allow cats to travel as checked baggage or in-cabin (if small enough) on flights to Tirana International Airport (TIA). Check with your airline for specific carrier size and weight limits. For cargo, you will need an IATA-compliant crate and may need to use a pet shipping agent.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Albania.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid on travel day, administered after microchip implantation)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official veterinarian
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Albanian Food Safety and Veterinary Institute (AKU).

Albania applies EU-style rules for ferrets from rabies-free territories. No additional restrictions.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid on travel day, administered after microchip implantation)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official veterinarian
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Albanian Food Safety and Veterinary Institute (AKU).

Albania applies same rules as for free-tier origins. No titer test or import permit needed.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid on travel day, administered after microchip implantation)
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL, from EU-approved lab)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official veterinarian
  • Import permit from Albanian veterinary authority (apply at least 30 days before travel)
  • Microchip proof (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary by country. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Albanian Food Safety and Veterinary Institute (AKU).

Albania requires an import permit for ferrets from high-risk rabies countries. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order.

Frequently asked questions

No. Albania requires a valid rabies vaccination for all ferrets regardless of origin. The vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel and after the microchip is implanted. No exemptions for rabies-free origins.
Albania generally allows up to 5 pets per person under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 5 ferrets, commercial import regulations apply, which may require additional permits and fees. Check with the Albanian Food Safety and Veterinary Institute (AKU) for exact limits.
No. The US is classified as low-risk for rabies. Ferrets from the US do not need a FAVN titer test to enter Albania. Only a microchip, rabies vaccine, and health certificate are required.
No. Albania does not recognize emotional support animals as a separate category. All ferrets must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and import permit requirements. No exemptions for service or support animals.
The rabies vaccine must be valid on the day of travel. If it expires before you enter Albania, you need a booster shot and must wait 21 days after the booster before travel. Plan vaccination timing carefully.
No. Albania requires ferrets to be at least 12 weeks old at the time of rabies vaccination. Since the vaccine cannot be given before 12 weeks, and a 21-day wait applies after vaccination, the minimum age for entry is effectively 15 weeks.
Yes. Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries (including Thailand) require an import permit from the Albanian veterinary authority. Apply at least 30 days before travel. You also need a FAVN titer test with results ≥0.5 IU/mL from an EU-approved lab.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip before rabies vaccination. Rabies titer testing is required only for pets arriving from high-risk countries, and the test must be done at an EU-approved lab at least 30 days after vaccination.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Albania, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Albania's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.