Bringing a pet to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Bosnia and Herzegovina is not an EU member but aligns its pet import rules with the EU Pet Travel Scheme for dogs, cats, and ferrets. The competent authority is the Veterinary Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Veterinarska kancelarija Bosne i Hercegovine). Rules are tiered by the rabies-risk status of the origin country: pets from EU-equivalent or low-risk origins need a microchip, rabies vaccination, and an official health certificate, while pets from high-risk countries also need a FAVN rabies titer test and an import permit. There is no quarantine for properly documented pets. Owners should present original paperwork at the border and confirm current requirements with the Veterinary Office before travel.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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 veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Official health certificate
  • Microchip documentation

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Pets from EU-equivalent territories are treated as low-risk; no titer test or permit required. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.

Apply / official dog import page

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 veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Official health certificate
  • Microchip documentation

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Pets from low-risk countries (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia) follow the same rules as EU pets: microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and a health certificate. No titer test or permit required.

Apply / official dog import page

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 veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN titer test result
  • Official health certificate
  • Import permit
  • Microchip documentation

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee varies. No quarantine fee applies if all conditions are met. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Pets from high-risk countries must have a microchip, rabies vaccination, a FAVN titer test (at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before travel), an import permit, and a health certificate. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

It depends on where you are travelling from. If your dog is coming from a high-risk country for dog rabies (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East), a FAVN titer test is required. The test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and show a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. A waiting period of 3 months from the date of the blood sample applies before travel. If you are coming from a low-risk or EU-equivalent country, no titer test is required.
Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before entering Bosnia and Herzegovina. The vaccine must be given when the dog is at least 12 weeks old. The vaccination must be current (not expired) at the time of travel.
No, there is no quarantine for dogs entering Bosnia and Herzegovina if all entry requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and for high-risk countries, titer test and import permit) are met. If documentation is incomplete, the animal may be refused entry or placed in quarantine at the owner's expense.
Bosnia and Herzegovina generally allows up to 5 pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) per traveller for non-commercial movement. If you are bringing more than 5, the shipment may be considered commercial and require additional veterinary certification and import procedures. Always check with the Veterinary Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the latest rules.
Yes, service dogs and emotional support animals are not exempt from import requirements. They must meet the same rules as pet dogs: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and for high-risk origins, titer test and import permit. There is no special exemption for assistance animals.
The official health certificate must be issued by a government veterinarian in the origin country within 10 days before arrival in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
Bosnia and Herzegovina does not impose country-wide breed-specific bans on dogs entering the country. However, some airlines may have restrictions on brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds or other breeds for transport. Check with your airline before booking.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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 veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Pet passport (if travelling from an EU country)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30-50, health certificate $100-200. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Bosnian veterinary authority.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is not an EU member but applies EU-aligned rules for pet travel. Cats from free-tier origins must meet the same basic requirements as low-risk origins.

Apply / official cat import page

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 veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Pet passport (if travelling from an EU country)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30-50, health certificate $100-200. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Bosnian veterinary authority.

Cats from low-risk countries must meet the same conditions as free-tier origins. The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel, and the microchip must be implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination.

Apply / official cat import page

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 veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
  • Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Pet passport (if travelling from an EU country)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30-50, health certificate $100-200, FAVN titer test $100-250. No import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Bosnian veterinary authority.

For high-risk countries, a rabies titer test (FAVN) is required. The microchip must be implanted before rabies vaccination. Check with the Bosnian veterinary office for the latest list of approved laboratories.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Up to 5 cats may be moved under non-commercial rules. More than 5 cats may be treated as commercial, requiring additional import permits and veterinary inspections.
Yes. Bosnia and Herzegovina does not exempt emotional support or service cats. They must have an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel, and a health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival.
Yes. Cats from high-risk countries need a FAVN rabies titer test with a result of ≥0.5 IU/ml. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, and travel must not occur until at least 3 months (90 days) after the sample date.
The veterinary health certificate must be issued within 10 days before arrival in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Yes. The cat must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination; otherwise, the vaccination is considered invalid.
No. Rabies vaccination is mandatory. The vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel, and the cat must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.
No. Bosnia and Herzegovina does not require quarantine for cats entering from any country, provided all other requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test if applicable) are met.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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 veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be issued within 10 days of travel. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Proof of ISO microchip (or legible tattoo if applied before 3 July 2011 and still readable)
  • Owner's passport or ID for identification

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €100–200, rabies vaccination €20–50. No titer test or import permit is required for ferrets from free-tier origins. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Ferrets from free-tier origins (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, etc.) require a microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate. No quarantine, titer test, or import permit. The rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel and be valid at entry. The ferret must be at least 3 months old at vaccination (minimum age at travel is 3 months + 21 days).

Apply / official ferret import page

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 veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be issued within 10 days of travel. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Proof of ISO microchip (or legible tattoo if applied before 3 July 2011 and still readable)
  • Owner's passport or ID for identification

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €100–200, rabies vaccination €20–50. No titer test or import permit is required for ferrets from low-risk origins. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Ferrets from low-risk origins (most of Europe, US, UK, Japan, Australia, etc.) require a microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate. No quarantine, titer test, or import permit. The rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel and be valid at entry. The ferret must be at least 3 months old at vaccination.

Apply / official ferret import page

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 veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). Must be issued within 10 days of travel. · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit issued by the Bosnia and Herzegovina Veterinary Office
  • Proof of ISO microchip
  • Owner's passport or ID for identification

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €100–200, rabies vaccination €20–50, FAVN titer test €100–250, import permit fee €50–150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Ferrets from high-risk origins (CDC-flagged high-risk for dog rabies, e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) require a microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, rabies titer test (FAVN/RFFIT), and an import permit. The titer test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. No quarantine is required upon arrival if all documents are in order. The ferret must be at least 3 months old at vaccination. The titer test result is valid for 2 years if the rabies vaccine is kept up to date. The import permit application should be submitted at least 2–3 months in advance.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, ferrets are allowed into Bosnia and Herzegovina. They must have an ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an official veterinary health certificate. Depending on the origin country's rabies risk, a rabies titer test and an import permit may also be required. Bosnia and Herzegovina is not an EU member state, so the EU Pet Travel Scheme does not apply. Check with the Bosnia and Herzegovina Veterinary Office (vet.gov.ba) for the latest requirements.
Bosnia and Herzegovina generally allows up to 5 pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) per traveller under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 5, the shipment may be considered commercial, requiring additional permits, inspections, and possibly a commercial import license. Confirm the exact number with the Bosnia and Herzegovina Veterinary Office before travel.
No. Bosnia and Herzegovina does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must have a microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and any applicable titer test or import permit. Service animals are not granted special privileges for import purposes.
A rabies titer test (FAVN or RFFIT) is required only if your ferret is coming from a high-risk country for dog rabies (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East). The test must be done at an approved laboratory at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. The result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml. The test is valid for 2 years if the rabies vaccine is kept up to date. Ferrets from low-risk or free-tier countries do not need a titer test.
An import permit is required only for ferrets originating from high-risk countries for dog rabies. You must apply for the permit in advance from the Bosnia and Herzegovina Veterinary Office. The process can take several weeks, so apply at least 2–3 months before travel. Ferrets from low-risk or free-tier countries do not need an import permit.
A ferret must be at least 3 months old at the time of rabies vaccination, and then you must wait 21 days after vaccination before travel. So the minimum age at entry is 3 months + 21 days (approximately 15 weeks). There is no maximum age limit.
No, Bosnia and Herzegovina does not impose breed restrictions on ferrets. All ferrets, regardless of breed or color, are subject to the same import requirements. However, some airlines may have their own restrictions on transporting ferrets, so check with your carrier.

Good to know

Bosnia and Herzegovina is not an EU member but aligns its pet import rules with the EU Pet Travel Scheme for dogs, cats, and ferrets. The competent authority is the Veterinary Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Veterinarska kancelarija Bosne i Hercegovine). Always confirm current requirements with them or a local veterinarian, as rules can change.

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 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 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 Bosnia and Herzegovina's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.