Bringing a pet to Hungary

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Hungary enforces the EU Pet Travel Scheme (EU 576/2013) for dogs, cats, and ferrets, so requirements depend on where your pet is travelling from. Pets from EU-listed countries need only a microchip, rabies vaccination, and a valid EU pet passport; those from higher-risk third countries face stricter rules including a rabies antibody titre test and a 21-day wait. There is no routine quarantine for compliant pets, but non-compliant arrivals may be quarantined or returned.

Requirements for your pet

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

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
Not required
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Hungary does not have a national breed ban, but some municipalities may have local restrictions. Check with the local authorities in your destination city. Airlines may have their own brachycephalic breed restrictions; verify with the carrier.

Documents checklist

  • Valid EU Pet Passport issued by an EU veterinarian
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine details, and validity date

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: EU pet passport ~€30-60, microchip ~€20-40, rabies vaccination ~€30-60. Confirm current prices with a local vet.

Pets from EU-equivalent territories (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican, etc.) can use an EU Pet Passport. No health certificate needed.

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US, DEFRA in the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Hungary does not have a national breed ban, but some municipalities may have local restrictions. Check with the local authorities in your destination city. Airlines may have their own brachycephalic breed restrictions; verify with the carrier.

Documents checklist

  • Valid rabies vaccination certificate
  • Official health certificate (model EU Annex IV) endorsed by origin country's veterinary authority
  • Declaration of non-commercial movement (if applicable)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$30-60, health certificate ~$100-200, endorsement fee ~$50-150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of entry into Hungary. For the UK, a GB-issued health certificate is accepted.

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US, DEFRA in the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Breed restrictions

Hungary does not have a national breed ban, but some municipalities may have local restrictions. Check with the local authorities in your destination city. Airlines may have their own brachycephalic breed restrictions; verify with the carrier.

Documents checklist

  • Valid rabies vaccination certificate
  • Official health certificate (model EU Annex IV) endorsed by origin country's veterinary authority
  • Rabies antibody titration test (FAVN) certificate
  • Import permit from the Hungarian veterinary authority (NÉBIH)
  • Declaration of non-commercial movement

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$30-60, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, health certificate ~$100-200, endorsement fee ~$50-150, import permit fee ~€50-100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

The import permit must be obtained before travel. The 3-month waiting period after the titer test applies. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

No. An ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip is mandatory for all dogs entering Hungary, regardless of origin. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before entry into Hungary. The dog must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.
No. The United States is classified as a low-risk country, so a rabies titer test is not required. You need a valid rabies vaccination and an official health certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS.
You may bring up to 5 dogs under the non-commercial pet travel scheme. If you bring more than 5, commercial import rules apply, requiring additional documentation and possibly quarantine.
No. Emotional support and service dogs are not exempt from standard EU import requirements. They must meet all microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and permit requirements.
The health certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue. If it expires before you enter Hungary, you must obtain a new health certificate from an official veterinarian in the origin country.
No. The minimum age for rabies vaccination is 12 weeks, and the 21-day waiting period means the puppy must be at least 15 weeks old before entering Hungary. No exceptions for younger puppies.

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

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 (e.g., NÉBIH-approved vet in Hungary, or equivalent authority in origin country) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • EU Pet Passport (if from EU/EEA) or third-country official health certificate (EU Annex IV model)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine type, batch, date, and validity
  • Microchip implantation certificate (if not in passport)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~€30-60, health certificate ~€50-150, rabies vaccine ~€30-80. Confirm current prices with a local vet and NÉBIH (nebih.gov.hu).

Cats from Andorra, San Marino, Vatican, Monaco, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Greenland, and EU/EEA countries are treated as free-tier. No titer test or import permit needed. EU Pet Passport suffices if issued in an EU/EEA country.

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS-endorsed vet for US-origin cats, DEFRA for UK, etc.) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Third-country official health certificate (EU Annex IV model) completed and endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country
  • Rabies vaccination certificate with microchip number and vaccine details
  • Microchip certificate (if not on health certificate)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~€30-60, health certificate ~€100-250, rabies vaccine ~€30-80. Confirm current prices with a local vet and NÉBIH (nebih.gov.hu).

Cats from the US, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and most European non-EU countries (e.g., Serbia, Bosnia, Ukraine) are low-risk. No titer test or import permit. Health certificate must be issued within 10 days of entry.

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: 4 months

Documents checklist

  • Import permit from NÉBIH
  • Third-country official health certificate (EU Annex IV model) endorsed by origin authority
  • Rabies vaccination certificate with microchip number and vaccine details
  • FAVN titer test certificate (≥0.5 IU/ml, sample taken ≥30 days post-vaccination and ≥3 months before entry)
  • Microchip certificate (if not on health certificate)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~€30-60, health certificate ~€100-250, rabies vaccine ~€30-80, FAVN titer test ~€100-250, import permit fee ~€50-150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and NÉBIH (nebih.gov.hu).

Cats from high-rabies-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, India, China, most of Africa, Middle East, South Asia) require a FAVN titer test and an import permit. No quarantine upon arrival if all paperwork is in order. Minimum age 4 months due to titer test timing.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if the airline allows it and the cat (including carrier) fits under the seat. Most airlines require the cat to be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned. Check with your specific airline for weight limits (typically 8 kg total including carrier) and advance booking requirements.
You may bring up to 5 cats per person as non-commercial pets. If you bring more than 5, commercial import rules apply, requiring a TRACES notification, additional health certificates, and possibly customs duties. This limit applies to the total number of pets (cats, dogs, ferrets) combined.
No. The US is classified as a low-risk country for rabies. Cats from the US do not need a FAVN titer test. They need an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), and a USDA-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of entry.
Hungary requires that the rabies vaccination be valid at the time of entry. Once in Hungary, you must keep the vaccination up to date according to EU regulations (every 1-3 years depending on vaccine type). If it expires, your cat may be subject to restrictions or quarantine if you travel to another EU country.
No. Hungary does not recognise emotional support animals as a separate category for import. ESAs must meet all the same requirements as any pet cat: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and if from a high-risk country, a FAVN titer test and import permit. Service dogs for people with disabilities may have some accommodations, but cats are not covered.
No, if the kitten is from a high-risk country (minimum age 4 months due to titer test timing). For free and low-risk countries, kittens must be at least 12 weeks old to receive the rabies vaccine, and then wait 21 days after vaccination before entry. So the effective minimum age is 15 weeks (12 weeks + 21 days). No exceptions for younger kittens.
No, there is no mandatory registration for pet cats in Hungary. However, if your cat has an EU Pet Passport, it is recommended to have a local vet update the passport with any future vaccinations. For long-term stays, consider microchip registration in a national database for identification purposes.

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

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, validity)
  • EU health certificate (Annex IV) for non-commercial movement
  • Microchip proof (registration document or certificate)
  • Pet passport (if from EU/EEA) or third-country veterinary certificate

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No import permit fee. Confirm with a local vet and the Hungarian Food Chain Safety Office (NÉBIH).

Ferrets from EU-equivalent territories (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican, Monaco, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland) follow the same rules as EU-origin pets. No quarantine. Must enter via an approved Travellers' Point of Entry (TPE) if arriving by air — Budapest Airport is one.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing microchip number, vaccine date, validity)
  • EU health certificate (Annex IV) for non-commercial movement
  • Microchip proof (registration document or certificate)
  • Third-country veterinary certificate endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No import permit fee. Confirm with a local vet and NÉBIH.

Ferrets from low-risk countries (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia) do not need a rabies titer test or quarantine. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Enter via a TPE.

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 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 (showing microchip number, vaccine date, validity)
  • EU health certificate (Annex IV) for non-commercial movement
  • Microchip proof (registration document or certificate)
  • FAVN titer test certificate (showing titre >= 0.5 IU/ml)
  • Import permit from NÉBIH (apply at least 30 days before travel)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100. Confirm with a local vet and NÉBIH.

Ferrets from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, India, China) require a FAVN titer test and an import permit. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order. The import permit application must include the titer test result. Enter via a TPE.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. The vaccine must be administered after the microchip is implanted, and the ferret must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.
Yes, but the non-commercial movement rule allows up to 5 pets (dogs, cats, ferrets combined) per person. If you bring more than 5, commercial import rules apply, which require additional documentation and may involve customs duties. For 5 or fewer, you must declare them as non-commercial and present the required documents at the border.
No. The United States is classified as a low-risk country for rabies. Ferrets from the US do not need a FAVN titer test. They only need a microchip, rabies vaccine, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
The ferret will be refused entry. Hungary requires an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before the rabies vaccine. If your ferret has a non-ISO chip, you must bring your own scanner that can read it, or have the chip replaced with an ISO chip and re-vaccinate after 21 days.
No. Hungary does not recognize emotional support animals as a separate category for import. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and import permit requirements.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the date of entry into Hungary. For ferrets from non-EU countries, the certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA in the US) and remain valid for 10 days from the date of issue.
That depends on the airline's policy, not Hungary's import rules. Hungarian regulations do not prohibit cabin travel for ferrets, but many airlines require ferrets to travel in the cargo hold as checked baggage. Check with your airline at least 48 hours before departure. The ferret must be in an IATA-compliant carrier that fits under the seat if cabin travel is allowed.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip before rabies vaccination, and the chip must be readable at the border. If your pet is travelling from a non-EU country, check whether Hungary classifies it as rabies-controlled or high-risk, as the required waiting periods and documentation differ.

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