Bringing a pet to Cyprus

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Cyprus applies the EU Pet Travel Scheme to dogs, cats, and ferrets. The baseline for all origins is an ISO microchip, a current rabies vaccination, and an EU health certificate or pet passport. Pets from EU-equivalent and listed low-risk origins enter directly without a rabies titer test or quarantine if documentation is complete. Pets from high-risk rabies origins need an EU-approved FAVN titer test and may face quarantine, return, or refusal if requirements are not met. Rules differ by the origin country's rabies status, so owners should identify the correct tier before travel.

Requirements for your pet

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

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, or an EU pet passport for EU-origin pets · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Cyprus does not ban specific dog breeds at the national level, but some airlines refuse to carry brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as bulldogs, pugs, and boxers, especially in summer. Check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport or EU health certificate for non-commercial movement
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's declaration for non-commercial movement, if applicable

Rough budget

Approximate only: microchip €30–50, rabies vaccination €20–50, EU health certificate or passport endorsement €50–150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Cyprus Veterinary Services.

EU-equivalent territories with a valid EU pet passport enter Cyprus with no titer test and no quarantine if the microchip and rabies vaccination are documented and the vaccination was given at least 21 days before 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, endorsed by the competent authority (USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK, etc.) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Cyprus does not ban specific dog breeds at the national level, but some airlines refuse to carry brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as bulldogs, pugs, and boxers, especially in summer. Check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

  • EU health certificate for non-commercial movement, endorsed by the origin country's official veterinarian
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's declaration for non-commercial movement

Rough budget

Approximate only: microchip €30–50, rabies vaccination €20–50, EU health certificate endorsement €100–250. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Cyprus Veterinary Services.

Low-risk non-EU countries (US, UK, Japan, Australia, etc.) need a properly endorsed EU health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. No titer test and no quarantine are required if the rabies vaccination is current and the microchip is ISO-compliant.

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, endorsed by the competent authority (USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK, etc.) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Cyprus does not ban specific dog breeds at the national level, but some airlines refuse to carry brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as bulldogs, pugs, and boxers, especially in summer. Check with your airline before booking.

Documents checklist

  • EU health certificate for non-commercial movement, endorsed by the origin country's official veterinarian
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory showing at least 0.5 IU/ml
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's declaration for non-commercial movement

Rough budget

Approximate only: microchip €30–50, rabies vaccination €20–50, FAVN titer test €100–250, EU health certificate endorsement €100–250. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Cyprus Veterinary Services.

High-risk rabies countries require a satisfactory FAVN titer test at least 90 days before travel. If the titer test is not done or fails, the pet may be quarantined or refused entry. Cyprus does not routinely quarantine pets that meet all requirements, but non-compliant pets may be held at the owner's expense.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Up to 5 dogs, cats, or ferrets per traveller without triggering commercial import rules. More than 5 is treated as commercial and requires additional certification, including a commercial health certificate and possibly an import permit. The limit applies per traveller, not per household.
It depends on the origin. Dogs from EU-equivalent or low-risk countries (US, UK, Japan, Australia, etc.) do not need a titer test. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, the Middle East) must have a FAVN titer test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml, performed at an EU-approved laboratory at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before entry.
No routine quarantine applies to dogs that meet all entry requirements. Pets from high-risk countries with a valid titer test and health certificate enter directly. A pet arriving without the required titer test or with incomplete paperwork may be quarantined or refused entry at the owner's expense.
You need: (1) an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, (2) a rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel, (3) an EU health certificate for non-commercial movement issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of arrival (or an EU pet passport if coming from an EU country), and (4) for high-risk origins, a FAVN titer test result. The health certificate must be endorsed by the origin country's competent authority.
No. Cyprus does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from the standard import requirements. They must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and, if applicable, titer test rules as any other dog. Airlines may have their own cabin policies for service dogs, but that does not change the import rules.
Start at least 4 months before travel from a high-risk country: the rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel, the titer test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination, and the test result must be at least 90 days old before entry. For low-risk or EU countries, start at least 2 months before travel to allow time for vaccination, microchipping, and health certificate issuance.
If your dog arrives without a valid rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, or, for high-risk origins, titer test, Cyprus Veterinary Services may order quarantine at your expense, return the animal to the origin country, or in some cases euthanise it. Do not travel without confirming all documents are in order.

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

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

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport or equivalent official veterinary certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50. No titer test, permit, or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Cyprus Veterinary Services.

Cyprus applies EU Pet Travel Scheme rules for cats from EU/EEA countries and listed third countries. No quarantine, titer test, or import permit is required. The cat must be at least 3 months old for rabies vaccination, and travel must occur at least 21 days after the primary 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)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport (for EU countries) or official veterinary certificate for non-EU listed countries
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • For non-EU listed countries: additional declaration of rabies vaccination in the certificate

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50. No titer test, permit, or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Cyprus Veterinary Services.

Cyprus applies EU Pet Travel Scheme rules for cats from listed third countries with controlled rabies status (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia). No titer test or quarantine is required if the cat has a valid rabies vaccination and ISO microchip. The cat must be accompanied by an EU pet passport or an official veterinary certificate issued by the competent authority of the origin country within 10 days of travel.

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

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Official veterinary certificate for non-EU countries
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Declaration of rabies vaccination and titer test in the certificate

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50, FAVN titer test €100–250. No permit or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Cyprus Veterinary Services.

For cats from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, Asia, Middle East), Cyprus requires a rabies titer test (FAVN) with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met. The cat must be accompanied by an official veterinary certificate issued within 10 days of travel, including proof of microchip, rabies vaccination, and titer test. Entry is allowed only through designated points of entry (Larnaca and Paphos airports, Limassol port).

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Up to 5 cats per traveller can be moved non-commercially. More than 5 is considered commercial and requires additional veterinary certification and possibly an import permit.
No. Cyprus does not exempt emotional support or service cats from the standard import requirements. All cats must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and documentation rules. Airlines may allow service animals in the cabin, but import regulations remain unchanged.
A cat must be at least 3 months old to be vaccinated against rabies, and then must wait 21 days after the vaccination before travel. The minimum age at entry is therefore 3 months and 21 days (approximately 15 weeks). Kittens younger than this cannot enter Cyprus under the standard pet travel scheme.
No. The USA is considered a low-risk country for rabies, so a titer test is not required for cats entering Cyprus from the USA. Only cats from high-risk countries (as defined by the EU) need a FAVN titer test.
From the UK, you need an EU pet passport (if issued in the UK before Brexit, it may still be valid for travel to the EU) or a UK-issued animal health certificate (AHC) for each trip. The cat must have an ISO microchip and a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel. The AHC must be issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days of travel. No titer test or quarantine is required.
Turkey is considered a high-risk country for rabies. To bring a cat from Turkey to Cyprus, you need: an ISO microchip, a rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old), a FAVN rabies titer test (result ≥0.5 IU/ml) done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel, and an official veterinary certificate issued within 10 days of travel. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met. Entry must be through Larnaca or Paphos airport or Limassol port.
No. Cyprus does not have any breed-specific restrictions for cats. All domestic cat breeds are allowed, provided they meet the health and documentation requirements.

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

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

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip identification certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • EU pet passport (if applicable) or equivalent travel document

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50, EU pet passport €20–50. These are rough estimates only; confirm current prices with a local vet and the Cyprus Veterinary Services.

Ferrets are included in the EU Pet Travel Scheme for rabies control, but Cyprus may apply additional national rules. Confirm requirements with Cyprus Veterinary Services before travel.

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 · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip identification certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • EU pet passport (if applicable) or equivalent travel document

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50, EU pet passport €20–50. These are rough estimates only; confirm current prices with a local vet and the Cyprus Veterinary Services.

Ferrets from low-risk countries (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia) must meet the same rabies-control requirements as those from EU countries. Confirm any additional national rules for ferrets with Cyprus Veterinary Services.

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 · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip identification certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Import permit issued by Cyprus Veterinary Services
  • EU pet passport (if applicable) or equivalent travel document

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50, FAVN titer test €100–250, import permit €50–100. These are rough estimates only; confirm current prices with a local vet and the Cyprus Veterinary Services.

Ferrets from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa) require a rabies titer test and an import permit. The titer test must be done at an EU-approved lab. Confirm current requirements with Cyprus Veterinary Services before travel.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, ferrets are allowed into Cyprus if they meet import requirements: ISO 11784/11785 microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. From high-risk countries, a FAVN rabies titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) and an import permit from Cyprus Veterinary Services are also required.
Cyprus generally allows up to 5 pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) per traveller under non-commercial rules. If you exceed this number, the movement is considered commercial and requires additional trade compliance, including possible import permits and veterinary inspections. Confirm with Cyprus Veterinary Services before travel.
No. Cyprus does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. All ferrets must meet the same rules: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and for high-risk countries, titer test and import permit.
For ferrets from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa), a FAVN rabies titer test is required. The test must be done at an EU-approved laboratory at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. For free or low-risk countries, the titer test is not required.
No quarantine is required for ferrets entering Cyprus if all import requirements are met. This applies to all origin tiers (free, low-risk, high-risk). If documentation is incomplete or the animal does not meet requirements, it may be quarantined or refused entry at the owner's expense.
You need: a rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days), an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip, and for high-risk countries, a FAVN titer test result and an import permit from Cyprus Veterinary Services. An EU pet passport is acceptable for EU-origin ferrets.
No, Cyprus does not impose breed restrictions on ferrets. All ferrets are treated equally under the import rules. Check with your airline, as some carriers may have their own restrictions on ferrets.

Good to know

Cyprus is an EU member state and applies the EU Pet Travel Scheme. Non-commercial movement is capped at 5 dogs, cats, or ferrets per traveller; moving more than 5 triggers commercial import rules and additional certification. Pets must be declared to customs on arrival. The competent authority is the Cyprus Veterinary Services (Τμήμα Κτηνιατρικών Υπηρεσιών).

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