Bringing a pet to Malta

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Malta is an EU member state applying the EU Pet Travel Scheme. For dogs, the core requirements are an ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an EU health certificate or pet passport; additional steps depend on the origin country's rabies-risk status. Quarantine is not routine for compliant pets but can apply if documentation or vaccination is invalid. Malta enforces the EU non-commercial movement limit of 5 pets, and airline or ferry carrier rules may be stricter than government rules.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 EU pet passport for EU-origin pets) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Malta does not ban specific dog breeds at national level. However, some airlines and ferry operators refuse to carry brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, boxers and Boston terriers, especially in summer. Check with your carrier before booking. Dangerous dog legislation may apply to certain breeds once in Malta — consult local authorities.

Documents checklist

EU pet passport or EU health certificate (Annex IV, Regulation 577/2013)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number and vaccination date
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~€30–60, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, EU health certificate ~€50–150, carrier fees vary. No titer test or import permit is required in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Maltese Veterinary Regulation Directorate.

For EU-origin pets (including Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City and other EU-equivalent territories), an EU pet passport issued by an EU vet is sufficient. The pet must be microchipped before rabies vaccination, and the rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel. Tapeworm treatment is not required for Malta.

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 national veterinary authority, e.g. USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

EU health certificate for non-commercial movement (Annex IV, Regulation 577/2013) endorsed by the origin country's official veterinarian
Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number and vaccination date
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of owner's travel (ticket or booking) may be requested

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~€30–60, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, EU health certificate ~€100–250 (including official endorsement), carrier fees vary. No titer test or import permit is required in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Maltese Veterinary Regulation Directorate.

For low-risk non-EU countries (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 endorsed by the origin country's official veterinarian within 10 days of arrival. The certificate must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation. Malta may require advance notification for pets arriving from non-EU countries — check with the Veterinary Regulation Directorate.

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 national veterinary authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

EU health certificate for non-commercial movement (Annex IV, Regulation 577/2013) endorsed by the origin country's official veterinarian
Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number and vaccination date
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory showing ≥0.5 IU/ml
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of owner's travel (ticket or booking) may be requested

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~€30–60, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, FAVN titer test ~€100–250 (plus shipping to EU-approved lab), EU health certificate ~€100–250, carrier fees vary. No import permit is required in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Maltese Veterinary Regulation Directorate.

For high-risk countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a rabies titer test is mandatory. The pet must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, then blood-sampled at least 30 days later; the result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml and the test must be done at least 3 months before travel. The pet must travel with the owner or within 5 days of the owner. Quarantine is not routinely imposed if all conditions are met, but if the titer test is missing or failed, the pet may be quarantined at the owner's expense until requirements are satisfied. Check current rules with the Veterinary Regulation Directorate before travel.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Under EU rules, a single traveller may bring up to 5 pets (dogs, cats or ferrets) without triggering commercial movement rules. If you bring more than 5, the movement is considered commercial and requires an intra-trade certificate, additional health guarantees and possibly a different import procedure. Malta enforces this limit; plan accordingly.

It depends on the origin country. If you are travelling from an EU or EU-equivalent country (e.g. Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) or a low-risk non-EU country (e.g. USA, UK, Japan, Australia), no titer test is required. If you are travelling from a high-risk country (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a FAVN or RFFIT test showing ≥0.5 IU/ml is mandatory, taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 3 months before travel.

No routine quarantine for dogs that meet all EU entry requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test if from a high-risk country). If your dog arrives without valid documentation or fails the titer test, it may be quarantined at your expense until requirements are met, or refused entry. Malta does not have a standard quarantine period for compliant pets.

You need: (1) proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip, (2) a valid rabies vaccination certificate showing the microchip number and vaccination date (at least 21 days before travel), (3) an EU health certificate for non-commercial movement (Annex IV) endorsed by an official veterinarian within 10 days of arrival, and (4) for high-risk countries, a FAVN/RFFIT titer test result ≥0.5 IU/ml. EU-origin pets can use an EU pet passport instead of the health certificate.

No. Malta does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from the EU Pet Travel Scheme requirements. All dogs, including service animals, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate and (if applicable) titer test rules. Some airlines may allow service dogs in the cabin, but that is a carrier policy, not a government exemption. Always verify with the Maltese Veterinary Regulation Directorate and your airline.

That depends on your airline and route. Malta International Airport accepts pets in the cabin only if the airline permits it and the pet meets size/weight limits (typically up to 8 kg including carrier). Brachycephalic breeds are often banned from cabin or cargo travel by carriers. Check directly with your airline — government import rules do not guarantee cabin travel.

If your dog arrives without a valid microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate or required titer test, Maltese authorities may place the animal in quarantine at your expense until the requirements are satisfied, or return it to the origin country. Fines may also apply. Always carry original documents and a certified English translation if needed.

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

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 authorised veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

EU pet passport issued by an EU/EEA country
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, EU pet passport ~€20–40. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Maltese competent authority.

For cats from EU/EEA countries or territories with equivalent rabies status (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City), Malta applies the EU Pet Travel Scheme non-commercial rules. The pet must be microchipped before rabies vaccination, and the rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel. A valid EU pet passport is sufficient. Cats under 12 weeks old may travel with their mother if the mother's passport is valid and the kitten is not yet vaccinated; check with the Maltese authorities.

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 (or an authorised veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

EU pet passport or equivalent issued by an EU/EEA country
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Official health certificate issued by a government veterinarian within 10 days of travel (if not using an EU pet passport)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, EU pet passport ~€20–40, health certificate (if needed) ~€50–150. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Maltese competent authority.

For cats from non-EU countries with controlled rabies status (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand), Malta applies the EU Pet Travel Scheme non-commercial rules. The pet must be microchipped before rabies vaccination, and the rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel. A valid EU pet passport is sufficient; otherwise an official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel is required. Cats under 12 weeks old may travel with their mother if the mother's passport is valid and the kitten is not yet vaccinated; check with the Maltese authorities.

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 (or an authorised veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

EU pet passport or equivalent issued by an EU/EEA country
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
FAVN rabies titer test certificate from an EU-approved laboratory showing at least 0.5 IU/ml
Official health certificate issued by a government veterinarian within 10 days of travel

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, FAVN titer test ~€100–250, EU pet passport ~€20–40, health certificate ~€50–150. No import permit or quarantine applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Maltese competent authority.

For cats from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), Malta requires a rabies titer test (FAVN) with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met. The pet must be microchipped before rabies vaccination. A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel is required. Cats under 12 weeks old may travel with their mother if the mother's passport is valid and the kitten is not yet vaccinated; check with the Maltese authorities.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Up to 5 cats per traveller can be moved under the non-commercial pet travel scheme. More than 5 cats is considered commercial and requires an import permit and compliance with the EU Balai Directive (e.g., health certification for trade).

No. All cats, regardless of role, must comply with the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and documentation rules. There is no separate exemption for assistance animals in the EU Pet Travel Scheme for non-commercial movement.

A kitten must be at least 12 weeks old to receive a rabies vaccination, then wait 21 days after vaccination before travel. The minimum age for a fully compliant kitten is 15 weeks (about 3.5 months). Kittens under 12 weeks may travel with their mother if the mother has a valid EU pet passport and the kitten is not yet vaccinated, but this is only allowed for non-commercial movement and the kitten must be microchipped. Check with the Maltese veterinary authorities for specific cases.

No. The United States is considered a low-risk country for rabies, so a titer test is not required. You need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old), and an EU pet passport or equivalent health certificate. The same applies to other low-risk countries like Canada, Australia, and Japan.

From Thailand, you need: (1) an ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted before rabies vaccination, (2) a rabies vaccination at least 21 days old, (3) a FAVN rabies titer test from an EU-approved laboratory with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel, (4) an official health certificate issued by a government veterinarian within 10 days of travel, and (5) an EU pet passport or equivalent. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met.

No. Malta does not require an import permit for non-commercial movement of up to 5 cats from any country, as long as the standard EU pet travel requirements are met. If you are importing more than 5 cats or moving them for commercial purposes, an import permit and additional trade documentation are required.

The official health certificate must be issued by a government veterinarian within 10 days before arrival in Malta. For EU pet passports, the passport itself is valid for the lifetime of the pet as long as rabies vaccinations are kept up to date. For non-EU countries, the health certificate is typically valid for 10 days from the date of issue.

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

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
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g. pet passport or equivalent)

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 Maltese Veterinary Services.

Malta treats ferrets under national rules, not the EU Pet Travel Scheme. A rabies vaccination, ISO microchip, and government-endorsed health certificate are required. Travel must occur at least 21 days after the first rabies vaccination, and the ferret must be at least 3 months old at vaccination. No quarantine, titer test, or import permit is required.

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
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g. pet passport or equivalent)

Rough budget

Same requirements as free-tier origins. No rabies titer test, import permit, or quarantine is required. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian. Travel must occur at least 21 days after the first rabies vaccination, and 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 · 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
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Import permit issued by the Maltese Veterinary Services
Proof of origin

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50, FAVN titer test €100–250, import permit fee €50–100. No quarantine fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Maltese Veterinary Services.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries require a FAVN rabies titer test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be done at least 30 days after the first rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. An import permit must be obtained in advance from the Maltese Veterinary Services. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met. Travel must occur at least 21 days after the first rabies vaccination, and the ferret must be at least 3 months old at vaccination.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Ferrets are allowed into Malta under national rules, not the EU Pet Travel Scheme. You need a rabies vaccination, an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, and an official veterinary health certificate. From high-risk rabies countries, you also need a FAVN rabies titer test and an import permit.

Malta generally allows up to 5 pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) per traveller under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 5, the movement is considered commercial and additional requirements apply, including possible import licences and veterinary inspections.

No. Malta does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and permit requirements.

A rabies titer test (FAVN) is required only for ferrets coming from high-risk rabies countries. The test must be done at least 30 days after the first rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. Ferrets from low-risk or free countries do not need this test.

Your ferret must be at least 3 months old at the time of the first rabies vaccination, and travel must occur at least 21 days after that vaccination. The vaccination must be valid at the time of entry.

No, there is no quarantine for ferrets entering Malta if all import requirements are met. This applies to all origin tiers, provided the ferret has a valid rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, and any required titer test or import permit.

You need: a rabies vaccination certificate, an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip, and proof of origin. From high-risk countries, you also need a FAVN rabies titer test result and an import permit from the Maltese Veterinary Services.

Good to know

Malta follows EU Regulation 576/2013 for non-commercial pet movement. Pets must travel with an owner or authorised person, or within 5 days of the owner's movement. Commercial movement (more than 5 pets, or sale/transfer of ownership) falls under different EU rules and requires an intra-trade certificate and possibly additional guarantees. Malta's national competent authority for pet imports is the Veterinary Regulation Directorate within the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights.

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 Malta, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).