Bringing a pet to Monaco

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Monaco applies EU pet movement rules through its customs union with France. No quarantine is imposed if the dog's microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate (plus rabies titer test for high-risk origins) are in order. Pets usually enter via France, and French authorities carry out checks because Monaco has no border inspection post.

Requirements for your pet

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

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/APHA-endorsed veterinarian for non-EU origins) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Monaco does not ban any dog breeds. However, dogs classified as dangerous (category 1 and 2 under French law) may face additional requirements if transiting France. Category 1 dogs (e.g. Staffordshire terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, Mastiffs, Tosas) must be muzzled and kept on a leash by an adult in public places. Category 2 dogs (e.g. Rottweilers, American Bulldogs) must be muzzled and leashed. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g. Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers) may be subject to airline carrier restrictions, especially for cargo transport, due to breathing risks. Always check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days earlier and not expired
  • EU pet passport or official third-country health certificate
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~€30-50, rabies vaccination ~€20-50, health certificate ~€50-150, EU pet passport ~€20-50 if issued. No titer test or import permit is required in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

For EU/EEA origins, an EU pet passport is sufficient and no separate health certificate is needed. For non-EU free-tier origins (e.g. Andorra, San Marino, Vatican), an official third-country health certificate is required.

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 (or USDA/APHA-endorsed veterinarian for non-EU origins) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Monaco does not ban any dog breeds. However, dogs classified as dangerous (category 1 and 2 under French law) may face additional requirements if transiting France. Category 1 dogs (e.g. Staffordshire terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, Mastiffs, Tosas) must be muzzled and kept on a leash by an adult in public places. Category 2 dogs (e.g. Rottweilers, American Bulldogs) must be muzzled and leashed. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g. Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers) may be subject to airline carrier restrictions, especially for cargo transport, due to breathing risks. Always check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days earlier and not expired
  • EU pet passport or official third-country health certificate
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~€30-50, rabies vaccination ~€20-50, health certificate ~€50-150, EU pet passport ~€20-50 if issued. No titer test or import permit is required in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

For EU/EEA origins, an EU pet passport is sufficient and no separate health certificate is needed. For non-EU low-risk origins (e.g. USA, UK, Japan, Australia), an official third-country health certificate is required.

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 (or USDA/APHA-endorsed veterinarian for non-EU origins) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Monaco does not ban any dog breeds. However, dogs classified as dangerous (category 1 and 2 under French law) may face additional requirements if transiting France. Category 1 dogs (e.g. Staffordshire terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, Mastiffs, Tosas) must be muzzled and kept on a leash by an adult in public places. Category 2 dogs (e.g. Rottweilers, American Bulldogs) must be muzzled and leashed. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g. Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers) may be subject to airline carrier restrictions, especially for cargo transport, due to breathing risks. Always check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days earlier and not expired
  • Rabies titer test result (FAVN/RFFIT, ≥0.5 IU/ml) from an EU-approved laboratory
  • Official third-country health certificate
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~€30-50, rabies vaccination ~€20-50, rabies titer test ~€100-250, health certificate ~€50-150. No import permit is required in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

For high-risk origins, the rabies titer test is mandatory. The pet must be at least 15 weeks old (12 weeks for rabies vaccination + 21 days wait) and the titer 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.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Up to 5 pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) may be moved non-commercially per traveller. If you bring more than 5, the movement is considered commercial and requires additional veterinary certification and possibly an import licence. For 5 or fewer, the standard pet travel rules apply.
No. Monaco does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from the standard import requirements. All dogs, including service animals, must have a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and the appropriate health certificate (and titer test if from a high-risk country). Airlines may have their own policies for service dogs in the cabin, but the import rules remain the same.
A puppy must be at least 15 weeks old to enter Monaco. This is because the rabies vaccination cannot be given before 12 weeks of age, and then there is a 21-day waiting period after vaccination before the pet is considered protected. So the earliest a puppy can travel is 12 weeks + 21 days = 15 weeks.
No. The USA is considered a low-risk country for rabies, so a rabies titer test is not required for dogs entering Monaco from the USA. You will need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old), and an official health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by APHIS within 10 days of travel.
Yes, if your dog is travelling from an EU or EEA country and has a valid EU pet passport, you do not need a separate health certificate. The pet passport serves as the health certificate. However, if you are coming from a non-EU country, you will need an official third-country health certificate issued by a government veterinarian within 10 days of travel.
If the rabies vaccination has expired, your dog will be treated as unvaccinated. You will need to revaccinate and wait 21 days before travel. For high-risk origins, you will also need a new titer test at least 30 days after the vaccination and then wait 3 months before travel. Plan ahead to avoid delays.
No. Monaco does not impose quarantine on dogs entering from any country, provided all import requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test if applicable) are met. There is no quarantine facility in Monaco, and pets are not held on arrival if their paperwork is in order.

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

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) with rabies vaccination record
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing at least 21 days elapsed since primary vaccination
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel (if not using an EU pet passport)

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip €30–50, health certificate €100–200, rabies vaccination €20–50, EU pet passport €20–40 if needed. No titer test or import permit applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Monaco Direction de l'Action Sanitaire.

Monaco applies EU pet travel rules. Cats from EU/EEA countries or territories with equivalent rabies status (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, Switzerland, etc.) need a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and an EU pet passport or health certificate. The 21-day wait after primary rabies vaccination applies; booster vaccinations do not require a new wait if kept up to date.

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for the US, DEFRA-authorised vet for the UK) endorsed by the competent national authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's government authority
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip (or microchip certificate)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing at least 21 days elapsed since primary vaccination
  • Rabies antibody titration test (FAVN) result if the cat was vaccinated less than 21 days before travel or if the origin country is not on the EU listed third-country list — check current EU Annex II status

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip €30–50, health certificate €100–200, rabies vaccination €20–50, FAVN titer test €100–250 if required (not required for most low-risk origins with valid vaccination history). No import permit applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Monaco Direction de l'Action Sanitaire.

Monaco follows EU rules for non-EU origins. For low-risk countries not on the EU's listed third-country list (e.g., the US, Japan, Australia), a rabies antibody titration test (FAVN) may be required if the cat was not vaccinated at least 21 days before travel or if the vaccination history is incomplete. The titer test must be done at an EU-approved laboratory and the result is valid for the animal's lifetime with timely boosters. No quarantine if documentation is complete. Cats from the UK, a non-EU listed country, generally need a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination; a titer test is not routinely required for UK-origin cats entering Monaco.

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 endorsed by the competent national authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's government authority
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing at least 21 days elapsed since primary vaccination
  • FAVN rabies antibody titration test result from an EU-approved laboratory showing ≥0.5 IU/ml, with at least 90 days elapsed between the test and travel
  • Declaration of non-commercial movement signed by the owner or authorised person

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip €30–50, health certificate €100–200, rabies vaccination €20–50, FAVN titer test €100–250 (required in this tier), laboratory shipping €50–100. No import permit applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Monaco Direction de l'Action Sanitaire.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and a FAVN rabies antibody titration test with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml obtained at least 90 days before travel. The titer test must be done at an EU-approved laboratory. No quarantine is required if all documentation is complete and the 90-day wait is satisfied. If the 90-day wait is not met, the cat may be quarantined until the 90-day period is complete. Monaco enforces these rules strictly; incomplete paperwork can result in refusal of entry or quarantine at the owner's expense.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Monaco follows EU rules: a single non-commercial traveller may bring up to 5 pets (cats, dogs, ferrets) into Monaco without a commercial import licence, provided they are travelling for non-commercial reasons and are accompanied by the owner or an authorised person. If you bring more than 5, the movement is considered commercial and requires additional veterinary certification and possibly an import permit. Each cat must still meet the microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate requirements.
No. Monaco does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from the standard pet import requirements. All cats, regardless of their role, must have an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old), and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Cats from high-risk rabies countries also need a FAVN titer test with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml obtained at least 90 days before travel. There is no waiver for service animals; they must meet the same rules as pet cats.
For a cat from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, India), you must have a FAVN rabies antibody titration test performed at an EU-approved laboratory. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, and the test result must show ≥0.5 IU/ml. You must then wait at least 90 days from the date the blood sample was taken before the cat can enter Monaco. The titer test result is valid for the cat's lifetime as long as rabies booster vaccinations are kept up to date without gaps. If the 90-day wait is not met, the cat may be quarantined until the period is complete.
No. Monaco does not require an import permit for cats entering for non-commercial purposes, regardless of the origin country's rabies risk tier. You will need a health certificate, proof of microchip, and rabies vaccination documentation. For high-risk origins, a FAVN titer test is also required. No permit application or fee is needed.
A kitten must be at least 12 weeks (3 months) old to receive a rabies vaccination, and then you must wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel. So the minimum age for a kitten to enter Monaco is 15 weeks (about 3.5 months). Kittens younger than 12 weeks cannot be vaccinated against rabies and therefore cannot meet the entry requirements. There is no minimum age in months beyond this vaccination timing.
No quarantine is required for cats entering Monaco if all documentation is complete and valid. This applies to all origin tiers: free, low-risk, and high-risk. However, if a cat from a high-risk country arrives without a valid FAVN titer test or without the required 90-day wait, it may be quarantined at the owner's expense until the requirements are met. Always carry original documents; copies may not be accepted.
You need a veterinary health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian or an authorised veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country. The certificate must be issued within 10 days before arrival in Monaco. For EU-origin cats, an EU pet passport can replace the health certificate. The certificate must confirm the cat's microchip number, rabies vaccination date, and that the cat is healthy and fit to travel. It must be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation if issued in another language.

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

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-recognised equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, in-date)
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Proof of ISO microchip (or legible tattoo if applied before 3 July 2011)
  • Owner's passport or ID for non-commercial movement declaration

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€20–40, health certificate ~€50–150, plus possible courier/endorsement fees. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Monaco Direction de l'Action Sanitaire.

Ferrets from free-tier origins (e.g. Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel, and accompanied by an official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine 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 (or an EU-recognised equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, in-date)
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Proof of ISO microchip (or legible tattoo if applied before 3 July 2011)
  • Owner's passport or ID for non-commercial movement declaration

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€20–40, health certificate ~€50–150, plus possible courier/endorsement fees. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Monaco Direction de l'Action Sanitaire.

Ferrets from low-risk origins (e.g. USA, UK, Japan, Australia) follow the same rules as free-tier origins: microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and an official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine 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)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (or an EU-recognised equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, in-date)
  • FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit issued by Monaco Direction de l'Action Sanitaire
  • Proof of ISO microchip (or legible tattoo if applied before 3 July 2011)
  • Owner's passport or ID for non-commercial movement declaration

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€20–40, FAVN titer test ~€100–250, import permit fee ~€50–150, health certificate ~€50–150. No quarantine fee applies if all conditions are met. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Monaco Direction de l'Action Sanitaire.

Ferrets from high-risk origins (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) require a rabies titer test and an import permit. The ferret must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel, and have a passing FAVN/RFFIT test (≥0.5 IU/ml) at least 90 days before travel. No quarantine is imposed if all conditions are met.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Monaco follows EU rules for non-commercial movement of ferrets. There is no fixed numerical limit in the EU Pet Travel Scheme for ferrets, but the movement must be non-commercial. If you are bringing more than 5 ferrets, authorities may consider it commercial, and commercial import rules (including additional health certifications and possible VAT) would apply. For 5 or fewer, the standard non-commercial rules apply.
No. Monaco does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. Ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and permit requirements. There is no waiver for assistance animals.
It depends on the origin country. If you are travelling from a high-risk country (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa), a FAVN or RFFIT test is required, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 90 days before travel. From low-risk or free-tier countries (e.g. USA, UK, Japan, Andorra), no titer test is required.
No. Monaco does not impose quarantine on ferrets that meet all entry requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test/permit if from a high-risk country). If your ferret is non-compliant, it may be refused entry or placed in quarantine at the owner's expense, but compliant ferrets are not quarantined.
The ferret must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old and have a valid rabies vaccination that was administered at least 21 days before travel. This means the earliest a ferret can travel is at 15 weeks of age (12 weeks + 21 days).
Only if your ferret is coming from a high-risk country. Travellers from low-risk or free-tier countries do not need an import permit. The permit is issued by the Monaco Direction de l'Action Sanitaire and must be obtained before travel.
You need an official health certificate issued by a government veterinarian of the origin country within 10 days of travel. The certificate must confirm the ferret's microchip number, rabies vaccination date, and that the animal is healthy and fit to travel. For high-risk origins, it must also reference the titer test result and import permit number.

Good to know

Monaco has no border inspection post; pets normally enter via France (Nice Côte d'Azur Airport or the Menton road border) and are checked by French authorities. The health certificate must be issued by an official veterinarian of the origin country within 10 days of travel. For high-risk origins, the rabies titer test must be done at an EU-approved laboratory and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. The pet must be at least 15 weeks old to travel (12 weeks for rabies vaccination + 21 days wait).

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