Bringing a pet to Norway

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Norway applies the EU Pet Travel Scheme rules through the EEA Agreement, so requirements are tiered by the rabies risk of the origin country rather than being uniform. Dogs must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and accompanied by an official health certificate or EU pet passport. There is no routine quarantine for compliant pets from approved origins, but pets that fail documentation or arrive from high-risk origins without a valid rabies antibody test can face quarantine or refusal at the border. Owners should confirm the exact origin-country category with the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) and carry original paperwork rather than copies.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 an authorised veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Breed restrictions

Norway bans the breeding and import of certain dog breeds considered dangerous, including American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier types, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino and Czechoslovakian Wolfdog. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g. pugs, French bulldogs, English bulldogs) are not banned by Norway but may be refused carriage by airlines and some ferries on welfare grounds; check with the carrier before booking.

Documents checklist

ISO-compliant microchip (or clearly readable transponder)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at or after 12 weeks of age and at least 21 days before entry
EU pet passport or official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Owner's declaration for non-commercial movement if travelling with more than five animals

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — microchip ~€30-60, rabies vaccination ~€20-50, official health certificate ~€50-150, and any border inspection fee if charged. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and Mattilsynet before travel.

For EU/EEA-equivalent origins, an EU pet passport issued by an authorised veterinarian is normally sufficient instead of a separate health certificate. The animal must travel with the owner or an authorised person, or within five days of the owner's movement, to qualify as non-commercial.

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 an authorised veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

ISO-compliant microchip
Rabies vaccination certificate valid for the whole journey
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of entry
Owner's declaration for non-commercial movement if more than five animals

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — microchip ~€30-60, rabies vaccination ~€20-50, official health certificate ~€50-150, possible border inspection fee. Verify current prices with a local vet and Mattilsynet.

Most of Europe, the US, UK, Japan and Australia fall into this tier. A rabies antibody titration test is not required for these origins, but the rabies vaccination must still be current and given at or after 12 weeks of age.

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, with laboratory result attached · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

ISO-compliant microchip
Rabies vaccination certificate
FAVN/rabies antibody titration test result from an approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml, sampled ≥30 days after vaccination and ≥90 days before entry)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of entry
Owner's declaration for non-commercial movement if more than five animals

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — microchip ~€30-60, rabies vaccination ~€20-50, FAVN titration test ~€100-250 plus shipping to an approved laboratory, health certificate ~€50-150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Mattilsynet.

Pets from CDC high-risk rabies countries must meet the full EU third-country regime. If the titration test or waiting period is not satisfied, the animal may be quarantined or returned at the owner's expense. Norway does not require a separate import permit for non-commercial dog movement, but all documents must be originals.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Up to five dogs may be moved non-commercially in a single movement. If you bring more than five, the movement is treated as commercial and requires additional veterinary certification and possibly an establishment registration. The animals must travel with the owner or an authorised person, or within five days of the owner's own movement.

Only if you are travelling from a high-risk rabies country. Dogs from EU/EEA-equivalent and most low-risk origins do not need a FAVN test, provided the rabies vaccination is current and was given at or after 12 weeks of age, at least 21 days before entry. For high-risk origins, the FAVN result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml, sampled at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before entry.

There is no routine quarantine for compliant dogs from approved origins. Quarantine or return at the owner's expense can be imposed if documentation is missing, the microchip cannot be read, the rabies vaccination is invalid, or a required titer test is absent or below 0.5 IU/ml for a high-risk-origin dog.

No. Norway does not exempt emotional-support animals or service dogs from the standard import requirements. The dog still needs a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and the appropriate health certificate or pet passport, and must meet the same tier rules as any other dog. Airlines may have their own carriage rules for assistance dogs, but those do not replace the import requirements.

Carry the original microchip record, the original rabies vaccination certificate, the official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of entry (or an EU pet passport for EU-origin dogs), and the FAVN test result if you are coming from a high-risk origin. Copies are not accepted at the border. The animal must enter through an approved border inspection post or designated point of entry.

Start at least 4 months before travel for low-risk origins (microchip, rabies vaccination, 21-day wait, health certificate within 10 days of entry). For high-risk origins, start at least 7 months ahead because the FAVN test must be sampled at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before entry, and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.

Yes. Norway prohibits the import and breeding of American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier types, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino and Czechoslovakian Wolfdog. Brachycephalic breeds are not banned by Norway, but some airlines and ferry operators refuse to carry them, so confirm with your carrier before booking.

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

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

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

EU pet passport or equivalent veterinary certificate
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and after microchip implantation
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Signed declaration that the animal is not intended for commercial purposes

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a quote: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, health certificate ~€50–150, EU pet passport ~€20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet).

Cats from EU/EEA countries or listed third countries (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) may enter with an EU pet passport or veterinary certificate. No titer test or quarantine required.

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

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Veterinary certificate issued by an official veterinarian of the origin country (or EU pet passport if applicable)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and after microchip implantation
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Signed declaration that the animal is not intended for commercial purposes

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a quote: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, health certificate ~€50–150, possible endorsement fee ~€20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet).

For countries not listed as free but with controlled rabies status (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia), Norway requires a veterinary certificate. No titer test or quarantine required. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.

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 · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Veterinary certificate issued by an official government veterinarian
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and after microchip implantation
FAVN rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Signed declaration that the animal is not intended for commercial purposes

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a quote: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, FAVN titer test ~€100–250, health certificate ~€50–150, possible courier fees for lab samples. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet).

Cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a rabies titer test. No quarantine required if all conditions are met. The titer test result is valid for the lifetime of the cat as long as rabies vaccinations are kept up to date.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Norway allows a maximum of 5 pets (cats, dogs, ferrets) per traveller for non-commercial movement. If you bring more than 5, the movement is considered commercial and requires additional trade documents, including an import permit and compliance with commercial import rules. The 5-pet limit applies per traveller, not per household.

Yes. Norway does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from the standard import requirements. All cats, regardless of their role, must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by the required health certificate. There is no separate category for assistance animals in the Norwegian pet import regulations.

A kitten must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old to receive the rabies vaccination. Travel can occur no earlier than 21 days after the primary rabies vaccination. Therefore, the minimum age for a kitten to enter Norway is 3 months plus 21 days, i.e., approximately 15 weeks old. For high-risk countries, the titer test adds a 90-day waiting period after blood sampling, so the kitten would be at least 6 months old.

It depends on the origin country. Cats from EU/EEA countries and listed third countries (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) do not need a titer test. Cats from low-risk countries (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia) also do not need a titer test. Cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a FAVN titer test performed at an EU-approved laboratory, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, and must wait 90 days after blood sampling before travel.

No. Norway does not impose quarantine on cats that meet all import requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test if applicable). If the cat arrives without the correct documentation, it may be refused entry or placed in quarantine at the owner's expense until the requirements are met.

You need: (1) a microchip (ISO 11784/11785), (2) a rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel, (3) a veterinary certificate issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of travel (or an EU pet passport for EU/EEA origins), and (4) for high-risk countries, a FAVN titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory. Additionally, a signed declaration that the animal is not intended for commercial purposes is required.

No. Norway 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. If the cat was vaccinated before being microchipped, the vaccination is considered invalid, and the cat must be revaccinated after microchipping, followed by a 21-day waiting period (and a titer test if from a high-risk country).

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

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 authorized private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · 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 valid for the entire journey
Official health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip (or legible tattoo applied before 3 July 2011)
Owner's declaration that the movement is non-commercial

Rough budget

Approximate ranges: microchip €30–50, health certificate €100–200, rabies vaccination €20–50. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and Mattilsynet.

Ferrets from free countries must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel, and accompanied by an official health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine is required. The ferret must be at least 3 months old at vaccination and travel. The movement must be non-commercial and the animal accompanied by the owner or a responsible person.

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 or authorized private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · 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 valid for the entire journey
Official health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip (or legible tattoo applied before 3 July 2011)
Owner's declaration that the movement is non-commercial

Rough budget

Ferrets from low-risk countries (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia) must meet the same requirements as the free tier: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and an official health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine is required. The ferret must be at least 3 months old at vaccination and travel. The movement must be non-commercial.

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 or authorized private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · 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 valid for the entire journey
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result from an approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml)
Official health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip (or legible tattoo applied before 3 July 2011)
Import permit issued by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) prior to travel
Owner's declaration that the movement is non-commercial

Rough budget

Approximate ranges: microchip €30–50, rabies vaccination €20–50, FAVN titer test €100–250, health certificate €100–200, import permit fee €50–150. No quarantine fee applies if all conditions are met. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and Mattilsynet.

Ferrets from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have an ISO microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, a FAVN/RFFIT titer test ≥0.5 IU/ml performed at least 30 days after the first rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, an import permit from Mattilsynet obtained before travel, and an official health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met. The ferret must be at least 3 months old at vaccination and travel. The movement must be non-commercial.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The USA is treated as a low-risk country for ferrets. Your ferret needs an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, a rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel, and an official health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival. No rabies titer test or import permit is required. The ferret must be at least 3 months old and the movement must be non-commercial.

Norway allows up to 5 pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) per person to be moved non-commercially. If you bring more than 5, the movement is considered commercial and requires additional permits and compliance with commercial import rules. This limit applies per traveller.

It depends on the origin country. If your ferret is coming from a high-risk country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa), a rabies titer test (FAVN or RFFIT) with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml is required. The test must be done at least 30 days after the first rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. For free or low-risk countries, no titer test is required.

Only for ferrets originating from high-risk countries. You must obtain an import permit from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) before travel. For free or low-risk countries, no import permit is needed.

No. Norway does not grant exemptions for service or emotional support animals. All ferrets entering Norway must meet the same import requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and if applicable, titer test and import permit). There is no special category for assistance animals.

The ferret must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old at the time of rabies vaccination, and therefore at least 3 months old at travel. The rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel.

No. Norway does not require quarantine for ferrets that meet all import requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and for high-risk countries, titer test and import permit). If requirements are not met, the animal may be refused entry or placed in quarantine at the owner's expense.

Good to know

The Norwegian competent authority is the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet). Pets must enter through an approved border inspection post or a designated point of entry, and the traveller must notify the border veterinarian in advance for non-commercial movements from certain origins. Rabies vaccination must be given at or after 12 weeks of age and be valid for the whole journey; the 21-day waiting period after the first vaccination applies before entry. A microchip must be implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination for the vaccination to be considered valid.

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