Bringing a pet to Greece

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Greece applies the EU Pet Travel Scheme rules, which are moderately strict and highly origin-dependent: pets from EU-equivalent countries face minimal paperwork, while pets from high-rabies-risk countries must meet extra requirements such as a rabies titer test. There is no routine quarantine for compliant pets entering Greece, but animals that arrive without the correct documentation can be detained, returned, or placed in isolation at the owner's expense.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 authorized veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Greece does not ban any dog breeds at the national level. However, some airlines may refuse to transport brachycephalic breeds (e.g., pugs, bulldogs, boxers) due to respiratory risks, especially in summer. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport or equivalent health certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Microchip certificate or proof of microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50. These are rough estimates only; confirm current prices with a local vet and the Greek authorities.

For travel from another EU member state or an EU-listed third country (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City), an EU pet passport is sufficient. The pet must be microchipped before rabies vaccination.

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 or authorized veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Greece does not ban any dog breeds at the national level. However, some airlines may refuse to transport brachycephalic breeds (e.g., pugs, bulldogs, boxers) due to respiratory risks, especially in summer. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • EU health certificate for non-commercial movement (or EU pet passport if issued by an EU country)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Microchip certificate or proof of microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50. These are rough estimates only; confirm current prices with a local vet and the Greek authorities.

For travel from a low-risk third country (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia), the pet must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel, and accompanied by an EU health certificate issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days of arrival. The certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country.

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 · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Greece does not ban any dog breeds at the national level. However, some airlines may refuse to transport brachycephalic breeds (e.g., pugs, bulldogs, boxers) due to respiratory risks, especially in summer. Check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • EU health certificate for non-commercial movement
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Microchip certificate or proof of microchip
  • Rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory

Rough budget

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

For travel from a high-risk third country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, Asia, Middle East), the pet must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and have a rabies titer test performed at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel. The test must be done at an EU-approved laboratory. The pet must be accompanied by an EU health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. If the titer test is not done or fails, the pet may be quarantined or returned.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Under EU rules, a single non-commercial traveller may bring up to 5 pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) without triggering commercial movement requirements. If you bring more than 5, the movement is considered commercial and must meet additional trade rules, including possible import permits and veterinary inspections.
It depends on the origin country. If you are travelling from another EU member state or an EU-listed third country (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia), no titer test is required. If you are travelling from a high-risk third country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa), a rabies titer test (FAVN or RFFIT) is required, performed at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel, at an EU-approved laboratory.
No, there is no routine quarantine for dogs entering Greece if all import requirements are met (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test if applicable). If the dog arrives without proper documentation, it may be detained, returned, or placed in isolation at the owner's expense.
From the USA (a low-risk country), you need: an ISO microchip, a rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and an EU health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by APHIS within 10 days of arrival. No titer test or import permit is required.
No. Greece does not exempt emotional support animals from import requirements. All dogs, including service dogs, must meet the same entry rules: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test if from a high-risk country. Service dogs may be allowed in the cabin, but import rules still apply.
A puppy must be at least 12 weeks old to receive a rabies vaccination, and then must wait 21 days after vaccination before travel. So the minimum age for entry is 15 weeks (about 3.5 months). For high-risk countries, the puppy must also have a titer test at least 30 days after vaccination and wait 3 months, making the minimum age about 7 months.
No, a non-commercial traveller bringing a dog from any country does not need an import permit for Greece, provided the dog meets the standard EU entry requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test if from a high-risk country). Import permits are only required for commercial movements (more than 5 pets or for resale).

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

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

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport (or equivalent) with rabies vaccination record
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days prior to travel
  • Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel (if not using EU pet passport)
  • Declaration of non-commercial movement (if applicable)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50, EU pet passport €20–50 (if needed). Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

Greece applies EU Pet Travel Scheme rules. For cats from EU/EEA countries or territories considered rabies-free (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City), no titer test or quarantine is required. The cat must be at least 3 months old for rabies vaccination, and travel is allowed 21 days after primary vaccination. If the cat has a valid EU pet passport, no separate health certificate is needed. For non-EU free-tier origins, an EU health certificate is required.

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

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport (for EU/EEA origins) or EU health certificate for non-EU origins
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days prior to travel
  • Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel (if not using EU pet passport)
  • Declaration of non-commercial movement (if applicable)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50, EU pet passport €20–50 (if needed). Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

Greece follows EU Pet Travel Scheme rules for low-risk countries (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia). No rabies titer test or quarantine is required. The cat must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel, and accompanied by a valid EU pet passport (for EU/EEA) or an EU health certificate issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days of travel (for non-EU). The certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country.

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

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • EU health certificate for non-EU origins
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days prior to travel
  • FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Declaration of non-commercial movement (if applicable)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50, FAVN titer test €100–250, EU health certificate endorsement €50–100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

For cats from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), Greece requires a rabies titer test (FAVN) with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. The cat must be microchipped, vaccinated, and accompanied by an EU health certificate. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met. The titer test is valid for the cat's lifetime as long as rabies vaccinations are kept up to date. If the titer test is not done or fails, the cat may be subject to quarantine or entry refusal.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Greece follows EU rules: a single non-commercial traveller may bring up to 5 pets (cats, dogs, ferrets) without triggering commercial movement requirements. If you bring more than 5, the movement is considered commercial and must meet additional conditions, including official veterinary certification for trade. For 5 or fewer, the non-commercial rules above apply.
No. Greece does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from the standard import requirements. All cats, regardless of their role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test rules. Airlines may have their own policies for cabin access, but the border authorities will require full compliance.
A kitten must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old to receive a rabies vaccination, and then must wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel. So the minimum age for entry is 15 weeks (about 3.5 months). Kittens younger than this cannot enter unless they are from a rabies-free country and meet specific exemptions, which are rare.
No. The USA is considered a low-risk country for rabies, so a titer test is not required for cats entering Greece from the USA. You only need a microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days prior, and an EU health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by APHIS.
No. Greece requires all cats entering the country to be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. If your cat is not microchipped, it must be microchipped before any rabies vaccination is given (the microchip must be implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccine for the vaccination to be valid for travel). Tattoos are not accepted unless they were applied before 3 July 2011 and are clearly legible.
If your cat is from a high-risk country and the titer test result is below 0.5 IU/ml, the cat will not meet Greece's entry requirements. You would need to revaccinate and repeat the titer test at least 30 days later, then wait 90 days from the date of the successful test before travel. Alternatively, the cat may be subject to quarantine or entry refusal. It is crucial to plan ahead.
No. Greece does not require an import permit for non-commercial movement of cats, regardless of the origin country's rabies risk tier. The required documents are the microchip, rabies vaccination certificate, health certificate (or EU pet passport), and for high-risk origins, a valid FAVN titer test result.

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

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
  • Microchip registration document

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, rabies vaccination €20–50, health certificate/pet passport €50–150. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Greek veterinary authority.

Ferrets are included in the EU Pet Travel Scheme (Regulation (EU) No 576/2013) for non-commercial movement. Free-tier origins (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, etc.) are treated as EU-equivalent for pet movement. A ferret must be at least 3 months old to be vaccinated against rabies, and travel is allowed 21 days after the primary vaccination. No quarantine. No import permit. The pet passport or certificate must accompany the animal.

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 (or USDA/APHIS-accredited veterinarian for US-origin pets) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport (if issued in an EU country) or official third-country veterinary certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • Microchip registration document
  • Declaration of non-commercial movement signed by the owner

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, rabies vaccination €20–50, health certificate €50–150. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Greek veterinary authority.

Low-risk origins include most of Europe, the US, UK, Japan, Australia, etc. For ferrets from these countries, the EU Pet Travel Scheme rules apply: microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and a valid pet passport or third-country certificate. No rabies titer test is required for ferrets from low-risk countries. No quarantine. No import permit. The ferret must be at least 3 months old at vaccination. The certificate is valid for 10 days from issuance for travel into Greece.

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 (or USDA/APHIS-accredited veterinarian for US-origin pets) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Official third-country veterinary certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory
  • Microchip registration document
  • Declaration of non-commercial movement signed by the owner

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, rabies vaccination €20–50, FAVN titer test €100–250, health certificate €50–150. No import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Greek veterinary authority.

High-risk origins are countries not listed in the EU Pet Travel Scheme as low-risk, including Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. For ferrets from these countries, a rabies titer test (FAVN) is required. The test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. The ferret must be microchipped before the blood sample is taken. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met. No import permit is required for ferrets from high-risk countries, but the animal must enter through a designated traveller's point of entry (airport) and the owner must notify the competent authority in advance. The certificate is valid for 10 days from issuance.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The US is considered a low-risk country for rabies. Your ferret needs an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, a rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel (and the ferret must be at least 3 months old at vaccination), and an official veterinary certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 10 days of travel. No rabies titer test is required for ferrets from the US. No quarantine. No import permit. The certificate must be endorsed by USDA APHIS if required by the airline.
It depends on where you are travelling from. If your ferret is coming from a low-risk or free-tier country (most of Europe, US, UK, Japan, Australia), no titer test is required. If your ferret is coming from a high-risk country (Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a FAVN rabies titer test is required. The test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, at an EU-approved laboratory. The ferret must be microchipped before the blood sample is taken.
Greece follows EU rules for non-commercial movement of pets. There is no fixed number in the EU Pet Travel Scheme, but if you are bringing more than 5 ferrets, the movement may be considered commercial and additional requirements (such as an import permit and health certification for trade) may apply. For 5 or fewer ferrets, the non-commercial rules apply. Always check with the Greek veterinary authority if you plan to bring more than 5.
No. Greece does not exempt emotional support or service ferrets from the standard import requirements. All ferrets entering Greece must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate rules, regardless of whether they are service animals. Airlines may have their own policies for service animals in the cabin, but the import rules are not waived.
A ferret must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old to be vaccinated against rabies. Travel is allowed 21 days after the primary rabies vaccination, so the minimum age at entry is effectively 3 months and 21 days (about 15 weeks). Some airlines may have their own minimum age requirements, often 8–12 weeks for travel, but the rabies vaccination rule means the ferret cannot enter Greece before 15 weeks of age.
No. Greece does not require quarantine for ferrets entering from any country, provided all import requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test if from a high-risk country) are met. There is no quarantine facility for ferrets at Greek ports of entry. If your ferret does not meet the requirements, it may be refused entry or returned to the origin country at your expense.
You need: (1) an ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted in the ferret, (2) a rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel, (3) an official veterinary certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a government veterinarian (or USDA-accredited vet for US-origin pets), and (4) if coming from a high-risk country, a FAVN rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory. The certificate must be in English or Greek. No import permit is required for non-commercial movement of up to 5 ferrets.

Good to know

Greece follows EU Regulation 576/2013 for non-commercial pet movement. Pets entering from another EU member state or an EU-listed third country generally need a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and an EU pet passport or equivalent health certificate. Pets from non-listed third countries face additional requirements, including a rabies titer test and possibly an import permit. Always confirm current rules with the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food or your local Greek consulate before travel.

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