Bringing a pet to San Marino

Last reviewed July 3, 2026

San Marino enforces strict, origin-based pet import rules that vary by the animal's rabies-risk category. While there is no routine quarantine for compliant pets from low-risk countries, animals from high-risk areas face additional testing and waiting periods. All dogs, cats, and ferrets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by an EU-style health certificate or equivalent.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to San Marino.

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, or local authority for EU countries) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with 21-day wait after primary vaccination)
  • EU Animal Health Certificate (model AHC for EU-origin, or third-country health certificate for non-EU free-tier origins like Andorra/San Marino/Vatican)

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 destination agency.

For pets from EU member states or equivalent territories, an EU Pet Passport may replace the health certificate. No titer test or permit needed.

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

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with 21-day wait after primary vaccination)
  • Third-country health certificate (e.g., USDA APHIS Form 7001 for US, or equivalent from other low-risk countries)

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 destination agency.

No titer test or import permit required for low-risk origins. The health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA for US).

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS for US, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with 21-day wait after primary vaccination)
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN) certificate from EU-approved lab (result ≥0.5 IU/ml, test completed at least 3 months before travel)
  • Import permit from San Marino veterinary authority
  • Third-country health certificate endorsed by origin country's competent authority

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 by country. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Pets from high-risk rabies countries must have a negative FAVN titer test and an import permit. The permit application should be submitted to the San Marino veterinary authority well in advance (allow 4-6 weeks processing). No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if your dog originates from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, India), a FAVN titer test is required. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and sent to an EU-approved laboratory. The result must show an antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be completed at least 3 months before travel. No quarantine is needed if all documents are in order.
You may bring up to 5 dogs as a non-commercial traveller without triggering commercial import rules. If you bring more than 5, you must comply with commercial regulations, which include additional health certifications and possible customs duties. This limit applies per person.
No, emotional support and service dogs are not exempt from standard import requirements. They must still meet all microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and import permit rules. No special treatment is given.
The waiting period is 21 days after the primary rabies vaccination. This applies to all origin tiers. If your dog has a booster vaccination, the waiting period is immediate (0 days) as long as the previous vaccination was valid and not expired.
No, an import permit is not required for dogs from the United States (classified as low-risk). You need a microchip, rabies vaccination (with 21-day wait), and a USDA-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. No titer test is needed.
No, the minimum age for rabies vaccination is 12 weeks, and the 21-day waiting period means the earliest a puppy can enter is 15 weeks old. Puppies under 12 weeks cannot be vaccinated and therefore cannot meet the rabies requirement, so they cannot enter San Marino.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in San Marino. If it expires during travel, you may be denied entry or required to obtain a new certificate from a local vet in the transit country. Plan your travel so the certificate is valid on the day you enter San Marino.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to San Marino.

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

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, at least 21 days old)
  • EU Animal Health Certificate (model Annex IV, Part 1) issued within 10 days of travel
  • Pet passport (if from EU/EEA country)

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 San Marino Veterinary Service.

San Marino follows EU Pet Travel Scheme rules for cats from EU-equivalent territories. No titer test or import permit needed. No quarantine.

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

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, at least 21 days old)
  • Third-country health certificate (model Annex IV, Part 2) issued within 10 days of travel
  • Official endorsement by the competent authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS for US)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, USDA endorsement ~$38-121. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the San Marino Veterinary Service.

San Marino applies EU Pet Travel Scheme rules for cats from low-risk third countries. No titer test or import permit needed. No quarantine.

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

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, at least 21 days old)
  • FAVN titer test certificate (≥0.5 IU/ml, sample taken ≥30 days post-vaccination and ≥90 days before travel)
  • Import permit from San Marino Veterinary Service
  • Third-country health certificate (model Annex IV, Part 2) issued within 10 days of travel
  • Official endorsement by the competent authority of the origin country

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 San Marino Veterinary Service.

San Marino follows EU Pet Travel Scheme rules for cats from high-risk third countries. Import permit must be obtained before travel. No quarantine.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. If your cat originates from a high-risk country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, India), a FAVN titer test is required. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. The result must show an antibody titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
San Marino follows EU rules: a non-commercial traveller may bring up to 5 cats (or dogs/ferrets) without triggering commercial import rules. If you bring more than 5, you must comply with commercial regulations (e.g., CITES, additional health tests).
No. San Marino does not grant any exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All cats must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and import permit requirements.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the date of entry into San Marino. For travel from non-EU countries, it must also be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US) within that same 10-day window.
Yes. If your cat has a valid EU pet passport issued by an EU/EEA country, you can use it instead of a third-country health certificate. The passport must show a valid microchip and rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old).
No. San Marino does not impose quarantine for cats arriving from any country, provided all import requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and for high-risk origins: titer test and import permit) are met.
No. An import permit is only required for cats arriving from high-risk third countries. For low-risk countries (e.g., US, UK, Japan, Australia), no import permit is needed, but you must have a valid health certificate endorsed by the origin country's veterinary authority.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to San Marino.

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 Animal Health Certificate (model Annex III Part A) or equivalent
  • Microchip proof
  • Owner's passport or ID

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No import permit fee. Prices vary by vet and region.

San Marino follows EU Pet Travel Scheme rules for ferrets. From a rabies-free origin (e.g. Andorra, Vatican), no titer test or permit needed. Ferret must be at least 12 weeks old at vaccination, then wait 21 days before travel.

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 Animal Health Certificate (model Annex III Part A) or equivalent
  • Microchip proof
  • Owner's passport or ID

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No import permit fee. Prices vary by vet and region.

San Marino follows EU Pet Travel Scheme rules for ferrets. From a low-risk origin (e.g. US, UK, Japan), no titer test or permit needed. Ferret must be at least 12 weeks old at vaccination, then wait 21 days before travel.

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
  • FAVN titer test result
  • Import permit
  • EU Animal Health Certificate (model Annex III Part A) or equivalent
  • Microchip proof
  • Owner's passport or ID

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100. Prices vary by vet and region.

San Marino follows EU Pet Travel Scheme rules for ferrets. From a high-risk origin (e.g. Thailand, Russia), a FAVN titer test and import permit are required. No quarantine upon arrival. Ferret must be at least 12 weeks old at vaccination, then wait 21 days before travel.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, from the USA (low-risk tier) the process is the same as from an EU country: microchip, rabies vaccine at 12 weeks old, 21-day wait, and an EU Animal Health Certificate issued by a USDA-accredited vet within 10 days of travel. No titer test or import permit needed.
San Marino follows the EU limit of 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel. If you bring more than 5 ferrets, commercial import rules apply, which require an import permit and additional paperwork.
No. San Marino does not recognise emotional support animals as a separate category. All ferrets must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test (if from high-risk origin) requirements. No exemptions.
The rabies vaccine must be valid at the time of entry. Once in San Marino, you can have your ferret revaccinated by a local vet to maintain validity for future travel. There is no penalty for expiry while staying, but re-entry to another EU country may require a valid vaccine.
Yes. For high-risk origins, you must obtain an import permit from San Marino's veterinary authority (Ufficio Veterinario) at least 30 days before travel. You also need a FAVN titer test with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml, done at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before travel.
Airline policies vary. Most carriers allow ferrets in the cabin if they are in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. Check with your airline directly. San Marino does not have its own airport; you will likely fly into an Italian airport (e.g., Rimini or Bologna) and drive to San Marino. Italian and EU pet travel rules apply at the point of entry.
Yes, the ferret must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of rabies vaccination. Since the vaccine requires a 21-day wait after the shot, the ferret will be at least 15 weeks old by the time it can travel. No separate minimum age beyond that.

Good to know

San Marino follows EU pet travel regulations closely, so ensure your pet's microchip is ISO 11784/11785 compliant and the rabies vaccination is administered after the microchip is implanted. For pets from high-risk countries, a rabies antibody titre test is required at least 30 days after vaccination, followed by a 3-month waiting period before entry.

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