Bringing a pet to North Macedonia

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

North Macedonia is a non-EU country that applies EU-model pet travel rules for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Quarantine is not routinely imposed on healthy, vaccinated dogs with correct documentation. Requirements vary by the origin country's rabies status: EU-equivalent origins face minimal formalities, while high-rabies-risk origins need a rabies titer test and an import permit. The competent authority is the Food and Veterinary Agency (AHFV).

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to North Macedonia.

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 accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Breed restrictions

North Macedonia does not maintain a national breed ban list for dogs. However, some airlines may refuse to transport brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers due to respiratory risks, especially in summer. Check with your airline before booking. No restrictions on specific breeds at the border.

Documents checklist

EU pet passport or third-country veterinary certificate
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel (for a first vaccination)
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO-compliant microchip
Owner's declaration that the animal is not intended for commercial purposes

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 AHFV.

For pets from EU member states, Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and other recognised equivalent countries, an EU pet passport is accepted. The pet must be microchipped before rabies vaccination. No titer test or import permit is required. The animal must be accompanied by the owner or a person responsible for it.

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 accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Veterinary certificate issued by an official veterinarian of the origin country
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel (for a first vaccination)
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO-compliant microchip
Owner's declaration that the animal is not intended for commercial purposes

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 AHFV.

For pets from countries with controlled rabies status but not EU-equivalent (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada), a third-country veterinary certificate is required. The certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country. No titer test or import permit is required. The pet must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. The animal must be accompanied by the owner or a person responsible for it.

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 or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the North Macedonian Food and Veterinary Agency (AHFV)
Veterinary certificate issued by an official veterinarian of the origin country
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel (for a first vaccination)
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result from an approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml)
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO-compliant microchip
Owner's declaration that the animal is not intended for commercial purposes

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50, FAVN titer test €100–250, import permit fee may apply (confirm with AHFV). These are rough estimates only; confirm current prices with a local vet and the AHFV.

For pets from countries with high rabies risk (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a rabies titer test and an import permit are required. The titer test must be done at least 90 days before travel. The import permit must be obtained in advance from the AHFV. The pet must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. The animal must be accompanied by the owner or a person responsible for it. Quarantine is not imposed if all requirements are met.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

North Macedonia follows the EU model for non-commercial pet movement, which allows up to 5 pets per traveller. If you bring more than 5 dogs, the movement is considered commercial and requires additional veterinary certifications and possibly an import permit from the AHFV. For 5 or fewer, the non-commercial rules apply.

It depends on the origin country. If your dog is coming from an EU-equivalent or low-risk rabies country (e.g., Germany, USA, UK, Japan), no titer test is required. If your dog is coming from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, Nigeria), a FAVN or RFFIT titer test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml is required, performed at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel.

No, North Macedonia does not impose quarantine on dogs that meet all entry requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and for high-risk origins, titer test and import permit). If an animal arrives without proper documentation, it may be quarantined or refused entry at the owner's expense.

For EU-equivalent origins: an EU pet passport. For low-risk origins: a veterinary certificate endorsed by the origin country's competent authority, plus rabies vaccination proof and microchip proof. For high-risk origins: the same plus a rabies titer test result and an import permit from the AHFV. The health certificate is valid for 10 days from issuance.

Yes. North Macedonia does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from import requirements. All dogs, regardless of function, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and documentation rules. Some airlines may allow emotional support dogs in the cabin, but that is separate from border import rules.

The rabies vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before travel. If it is the dog's first rabies vaccine, the 21-day waiting period applies. If the dog has a current rabies vaccination that has not lapsed, the 21-day wait does not apply, but the vaccination must be valid at the time of entry.

No. North Macedonia requires all dogs entering the country to be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is given. If the dog was vaccinated before being microchipped, the vaccination is not considered valid for travel, and the dog must be revaccinated after microchipping.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to North Macedonia.

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

Documents checklist

ISO-compliant microchip certificate (or clearly recorded microchip number on the health certificate)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing at least one valid in-date rabies vaccine administered at ≥12 weeks of age and ≥21 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival (EU Annex IV or equivalent bilingual certificate)
Owner's passport or ID (to link the animal to the traveller for non-commercial movement)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccine ~€20–50, official health certificate ~€50–150, plus any courier/endorsement fees. Confirm current prices with a vet in the origin country and with the North Macedonia Food and Veterinary Agency (FVMS) before travel.

North Macedonia is not an EU member but applies EU-aligned pet movement rules for cats. For cats from EU-equivalent 'free' origins, the practical requirement is a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an official health certificate. No titer test and no quarantine. The health certificate must be issued by an official government veterinarian (or an authorised veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority) within 10 days of entry. Keep the original documents with the animal; copies are not accepted at the border.

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 USDA/APHA-endorsed veterinarian for non-EU origins) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

ISO-compliant microchip certificate (or clearly recorded microchip number on the health certificate)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing at least one valid in-date rabies vaccine administered at ≥12 weeks of age and ≥21 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival (EU Annex IV or equivalent bilingual certificate)
Owner's passport or ID (to link the animal to the traveller for non-commercial movement)

Rough budget

For cats from low-risk but non-EU-equivalent origins (e.g. US, UK, Japan, Australia), North Macedonia applies the same core requirements as for free origins: microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and an official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. No rabies titer test and no quarantine are required for cats from these countries. The health certificate must be endorsed by the origin country's competent authority (e.g. USDA APHIS for the US, APHA for the UK).

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 USDA/APHA-endorsed veterinarian for non-EU origins) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Documents checklist

ISO-compliant microchip certificate (or clearly recorded microchip number on the health certificate)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing at least one valid in-date rabies vaccine administered at ≥12 weeks of age and ≥21 days before travel
FAVN rabies titer test certificate from an approved laboratory showing ≥0.5 IU/ml, with blood sample taken ≥30 days after vaccination and ≥90 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival (EU Annex IV or equivalent bilingual certificate)
Import permit issued by the North Macedonia Food and Veterinary Agency (FVMS) prior to travel
Owner's passport or ID (to link the animal to the traveller for non-commercial movement)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccine ~€20–50, FAVN titer test ~€100–250, import permit fee ~€20–100, official health certificate ~€50–150. Confirm current prices with a vet in the origin country and with the North Macedonia Food and Veterinary Agency (FVMS) before travel.

For cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), North Macedonia requires an import permit, a rabies titer test (FAVN) with a 90-day waiting period after the blood sample, and an official health certificate. No quarantine is imposed if all documents are in order, but the 90-day wait after the titer test effectively acts as a pre-travel waiting period. The import permit must be obtained from the FVMS before travel; apply at least 2–3 months in advance. The titer test must be done at an approved laboratory (e.g. ANSES in France, or a USDA-approved lab for US-origin pets).

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

North Macedonia follows EU-aligned rules for non-commercial pet movement. A single traveller may bring up to 5 cats without triggering commercial import rules, provided the animals are accompanying the owner or a person responsible for them, and are not intended for sale or transfer. If you bring more than 5 cats, the shipment is treated as commercial and requires additional veterinary certification, possible import permits, and compliance with trade regulations. For 5 or fewer, the standard non-commercial rules apply: microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate (plus titer test and permit if from a high-risk country).

No. North Macedonia does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from its pet import requirements. A cat — whether a service animal or an emotional support animal — must meet the same rules as any other cat: ISO microchip, valid rabies vaccination, official health certificate, and, if arriving from a high-risk rabies country, a rabies titer test and an import permit. Airlines may have their own policies for cabin travel, but the border veterinary authorities will require full compliance. Do not assume an exemption exists; plan to meet all requirements.

If your cat is travelling from a high-risk rabies country, the rabies titer test (FAVN) must be performed at an approved laboratory. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, and the result must show ≥0.5 IU/ml. After the blood sample is taken, you must wait 90 days before the cat can enter North Macedonia. This 90-day wait is counted from the date the sample was drawn, not the date the result was issued. Plan for a minimum of 4 months from vaccination to travel.

It depends on the origin country. Cats from EU-equivalent 'free' origins and low-risk countries (e.g. US, UK, Japan, Australia) do not need an import permit. Cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) do need an import permit issued by the North Macedonia Food and Veterinary Agency (FVMS). Apply for the permit well in advance — at least 2–3 months before travel — as processing can take several weeks. The permit is usually valid for a specific period and must accompany the animal.

The official veterinary health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the cat's arrival in North Macedonia. It must be issued by an official government veterinarian of the origin country (or a USDA/APHA-endorsed veterinarian for non-EU origins) and be in a bilingual format (typically English and the origin country's language, or an EU Annex IV certificate). The certificate must clearly identify the animal by its ISO microchip number, confirm the rabies vaccination date and validity, and state that the animal is healthy and fit to travel. Keep the original with the cat; copies are not accepted at the border.

No. North Macedonia requires all cats entering the country to be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is given, or on the same day, so that the vaccination certificate can be linked to the microchip number. If your cat does not have an ISO-compliant microchip, you must have one implanted before travel. If the microchip is not ISO-compliant, you may need to carry your own microchip reader, but this is not recommended — get an ISO-compliant chip to avoid problems at the border.

No. North Macedonia does not impose any breed-specific bans or restrictions on cats. All breeds of domestic cats are permitted to enter, provided they meet the standard health and documentation requirements. However, airlines may have their own restrictions on brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds for air travel, so check with your carrier. For entry into North Macedonia itself, there are no breed-based prohibitions.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to North Macedonia.

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

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip (or legible tattoo applied before 3 July 2011)
Owner's passport or ID for non-commercial movement declaration

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, verify locally: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€20–40, health certificate ~€50–150. No titer test or import permit applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a vet in the origin country and North Macedonia's Food and Veterinary Agency (FVMS).

North Macedonia is not an EU member but applies EU-aligned pet movement rules. Ferrets fall under 'other carnivores' in EU Regulation 576/2013, so the same core rules as dogs and cats apply. No quarantine for compliant pets from free-tier origins. Entry points include Skopje International Airport and land borders with Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Greece, and Bulgaria. Expect a visual check of the microchip and documents at the border.

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/APHA-endorsed veterinarian for non-EU origins) · 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 and not expired
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip (or legible tattoo applied before 3 July 2011)
Owner's passport or ID for non-commercial movement declaration

Rough budget

Same requirements as free-tier origins. The 21-day wait applies after the first rabies vaccination; if the ferret was vaccinated before microchipping, the vaccination is invalid because the microchip must be implanted first. Carry original documents, not copies.

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/APHA-endorsed veterinarian for non-EU origins) · 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 and not expired
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit issued by North Macedonia's Food and Veterinary Agency (FVMS)
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip (or legible tattoo applied before 3 July 2011)
Owner's passport or ID for non-commercial movement declaration

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, verify locally: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€20–40, FAVN titer test ~€100–250, import permit ~€50–150, health certificate ~€50–150. Confirm current prices with a vet in the origin country and North Macedonia's Food and Veterinary Agency (FVMS).

High-risk origins must meet the full EU-aligned regime: microchip, rabies vaccination, positive titer test, and an import permit. The 90-day wait after the titer test means total planning time from first vaccination to travel is at least 4 months. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order. If the titer test is not done or fails, the animal may be refused entry or placed in quarantine at the owner's expense; confirm current policy with FVMS before travel.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are treated as 'other carnivores' under the EU-aligned rules North Macedonia applies, not as dogs or cats. You need an ISO microchip, a rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel, and an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. From high-risk countries you also need a rabies titer test and an import permit from the Food and Veterinary Agency (FVMS).

North Macedonia follows the EU non-commercial movement limit of 5 animals per traveller. More than 5 ferrets is treated as a commercial shipment and requires full trade compliance, including an import licence, commercial health certificates, and possibly a different border inspection post.

Only from high-risk countries such as Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. The test must be done at an approved laboratory at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, with a result of ≥0.5 IU/ml. From low-risk or free-tier countries, no titer test is required.

No quarantine if your ferret meets all entry requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and, for high-risk origins, titer test and import permit. If documents are missing or invalid, the animal may be refused entry or placed in quarantine at your expense. Skopje Airport has no routine quarantine facility for ferrets, so refusal is more likely than quarantine.

No. North Macedonia does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. A ferret must have the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and, if applicable, titer test and import permit. Airlines may have their own policies, but government rules do not change.

The ferret must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old at the time of rabies vaccination, and you must wait 21 days after that vaccination before travel. In practice, the youngest a ferret can enter is about 15–16 weeks (3.5–4 months) if vaccinated at exactly 12 weeks. For high-risk origins, add 90 days after the titer test, making the minimum age around 7 months.

You can enter through Skopje International Airport or any land border crossing with Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Greece, or Bulgaria. Not all small border posts have veterinary inspectors on duty 24/7; if you arrive at a quiet crossing, you may wait for an inspector or be directed to a larger crossing. Skopje Airport is the most reliable for ferrets because it has a permanent veterinary presence.

Good to know

North Macedonia is not in the EU but accepts EU pet passports for dogs, cats, and ferrets from EU member states and certain other European countries. For non-EU origins, a third-country veterinary certificate is required. Rabies is present in North Macedonia, so rabies vaccination is enforced for dogs. No quarantine is imposed for compliant pets. Confirm current requirements with the AHFV or a local veterinarian 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 North Macedonia, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).