Bringing a pet to Malta

Last reviewed July 3, 2026

Malta enforces strict, origin-dependent import rules for dogs, cats, and ferrets. There is no routine quarantine for compliant pets from EU/listed countries, but pets from higher-risk rabies areas face mandatory post-arrival isolation. Expect a full rabies titer test and health certificate requirement, with timelines varying by origin.

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 · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Malta does not have a national breed ban, but individual airlines may restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) during hot months. Check with the carrier.

Documents checklist

  • EU Pet Passport or third-country health certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Microchip certificate

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the Malta Veterinary Services.

Pets from EU/listed countries can use an EU Pet Passport. No titer test or permit needed.

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

Breed restrictions

Malta does not have a national breed ban, but individual airlines may restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) during hot months. Check with the carrier.

Documents checklist

  • Third-country health certificate (model Annex IV)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Microchip certificate

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the Malta Veterinary Services.

Pets from low-risk non-EU countries need a third-country health certificate endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country. No titer test or permit.

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
Required

Minimum age: 7 months

Breed restrictions

Malta does not have a national breed ban, but individual airlines may restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) during hot months. Check with the carrier.

Documents checklist

  • Import permit from Malta Veterinary Services
  • Third-country health certificate (model Annex IV)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN) certificate
  • Microchip certificate

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the Malta Veterinary Services.

Pets from high-risk countries must have a rabies titer test and obtain an import permit before travel. Minimum age 7 months due to titer test timing. No quarantine upon arrival if all requirements met.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Only if the origin country is listed as rabies-free or low-risk under EU rules. For high-risk countries (e.g., India, Thailand, Russia), a FAVN titer test with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml is mandatory. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination and sent to an EU-approved lab.
Up to 5 dogs per person for non-commercial travel. If you bring more than 5, commercial import rules apply, which require additional documentation and may involve customs duties.
No, if your dog has a valid EU Pet Passport issued by an EU veterinarian. However, if entering from a non-EU country (even low-risk), a third-country health certificate (Annex IV model) is required, endorsed within 10 days of travel.
No. Malta does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from standard import requirements. They must still meet microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and permit rules. No special fast-track is available.
At least 7 months old. This is because the rabies vaccination cannot be given before 12 weeks, then a 21-day wait, then a titer test blood draw at least 30 days post-vaccination, plus lab processing time (often 2-4 weeks), and a 3-month wait after the titer test before travel. The total timeline pushes the minimum age to about 7 months.
No. Dogs must enter through an approved Traveller's Point of Entry (TPE). The only TPE in Malta is Malta International Airport (MLA). Arrival by sea at other ports is not permitted for pet entry.
The import permit is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You must apply to the Malta Veterinary Services at least 30 days before travel. The permit is tied to the specific animal and travel date.

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

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • EU pet passport or third-country official health certificate
  • Microchip documentation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, EU pet passport ~$50-100 if issued in EU — confirm current prices with a local vet and the Malta Veterinary Regulation Directorate.

Cats from EU-equivalent territories (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican, etc.) follow the same rules as EU intra-union travel. No additional tests or permits.

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
  • Third-country official health certificate (Annex IV model for non-EU countries)
  • Microchip documentation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, third-country health certificate endorsement ~$50-150 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the Malta Veterinary Regulation Directorate.

Cats from low-risk non-EU countries (US, UK, Japan, Australia, etc.) must enter via a Traveller's Point of Entry (TPE) in Malta. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the competent authority in the origin country.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Third-country official health certificate (Annex IV model)
  • Microchip documentation
  • Rabies antibody titration test (FAVN) certificate
  • Import permit from Malta Veterinary Regulation Directorate

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit ~$50-100 — confirm current prices with a local vet and the Malta Veterinary Regulation Directorate.

Cats from high-risk countries must have a valid rabies titer test and an import permit issued by the Malta Veterinary Regulation Directorate. The 3-month waiting period after titer test applies. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but non-commercial movement is limited to 5 cats per person per trip. If you bring more than 5, commercial import rules apply, requiring a registered importer, additional health checks, and a different set of paperwork.
No. Cats from non-EU countries must use a third-country official health certificate (Annex IV model) endorsed by the competent authority in the origin country, not an EU pet passport. The passport is only valid for cats already issued one within the EU.
No. Malta does not recognise emotional support animals as a separate category for import. All cats must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if from a high-risk country) titer test and import permit requirements. No exemptions.
The rabies vaccination must be valid on the day of travel. If it expires before you enter Malta, you need a booster shot and must wait 21 days after the booster before travel. The microchip must be implanted before the booster.
That depends on the airline, not Malta's import rules. Malta does not ban cabin travel for cats. Check with your carrier for weight and carrier size limits. Most airlines allow cats in cabin if the carrier fits under the seat and the cat plus carrier is under 8 kg.
If your cat comes from a high-risk country, you must apply for an import permit in advance (allow at least 2-3 weeks processing). For low-risk and free-origin cats, no prior notification is required, but you must enter through a designated Traveller's Point of Entry (TPE) — usually Malta International Airport.
No specific minimum age is set by Maltese law, but the cat must be at least 12 weeks old to receive its first rabies vaccination, and then wait 21 days before travel. In practice, cats younger than 15 weeks cannot meet the rabies waiting period, so the effective minimum age is about 15 weeks.

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 or EU-authorised vet · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with dates)
  • EU Animal Health Certificate (model non-commercial) issued within 10 days of travel
  • Pet passport (if from EU/EEA) or third-country official health certificate

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Malta Veterinary Services Directorate.

Ferrets from EU-equivalent territories (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican) follow same rules as EU intra-community travel. No titer test or permit needed.

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

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with dates)
  • Third-country official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Declaration of non-commercial movement (if applicable)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Malta Veterinary Services Directorate.

Ferrets from low-risk third countries (e.g. US, UK, Japan) do not require a rabies titer test or import permit. Health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country.

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

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with dates)
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Third-country official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit from Malta Veterinary Services Directorate
  • Declaration of non-commercial movement

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Malta Veterinary Services Directorate.

Ferrets from high-risk countries require a rabies titer test (FAVN) and an import permit. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but the EU non-commercial pet movement rules apply: you may bring up to 5 pets (including ferrets) per person without triggering commercial import requirements. If you bring more than 5, you must comply with commercial rules (e.g., CITES if applicable, additional health certifications).
No. The US is classified as a low-risk country for rabies. Ferrets from the US do not need a FAVN titer test. They only need an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), and a USDA-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival.
No. Malta does not recognise emotional support animals under pet import rules. All ferrets, regardless of role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and permit requirements.
There is no minimum age set by Maltese law, but the rabies vaccination cannot be given before 12 weeks of age, and the 21-day waiting period after vaccination means the ferret must be at least 15 weeks old on arrival if vaccinated at the earliest allowed age.
Airline policies vary. Most carriers allow ferrets in the cabin only if they are in an approved carrier that fits under the seat and the airline permits ferrets. Check with your specific airline. Malta does not impose a national ban on cabin travel for ferrets.
No. The UK is a low-risk country. Ferrets from the UK do not require an import permit. You need an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, and an official health certificate issued by a DEFRA-authorised vet within 10 days of travel.
The rabies vaccination must be valid on the day of travel. If it expires, you must have a booster shot and wait 21 days before entering Malta. There is no grace period for expired vaccines.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped (ISO 11784/11785 compliant) and vaccinated against rabies. Non-commercial entry requires a valid EU Pet Passport or third-country health certificate. Always confirm your specific origin category before booking 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 Malta, 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 Malta's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.