Bringing a pet to Sweden

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Sweden follows the EU Pet Travel Scheme. All pet dogs must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by an EU pet passport or a third-country health certificate. No routine quarantine applies to compliant animals. Rules differ by the origin country's rabies status: pets from high-risk countries need a rabies antibody titer test and must enter through a designated Traveller's Point of Entry. Start planning at least 4 months ahead if travelling from a high-risk country and confirm the exact route and paperwork with Jordbruksverket before booking flights.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 authorised veterinarian issuing an EU pet passport · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Sweden does not ban any dog breeds. However, the Swedish Board of Agriculture has regulations on keeping certain breeds (e.g. American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier) that may require special permits or conditions for ownership, but these do not affect import for non-commercial travellers. Always check with Jordbruksverket for the latest rules.

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport (or equivalent third-country health certificate)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate with microchip number
  • Signed declaration that the animal is not intended for sale or transfer

Rough budget

Approximate ranges: microchip €30–60, rabies vaccination €20–50, EU pet passport €20–40, health certificate (if needed) €50–150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Jordbruksverket.

Pets from EU/EEA countries and listed third countries (e.g. Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) can travel on an EU pet passport. The 21-day waiting period applies after the first rabies vaccination; booster vaccinations do not reset the clock if kept up to date.

Jordbruksverket Sweden

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 for the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Sweden does not ban any dog breeds. However, the Swedish Board of Agriculture has regulations on keeping certain breeds (e.g. American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier) that may require special permits or conditions for ownership, but these do not affect import for non-commercial travellers. Always check with Jordbruksverket for the latest rules.

Documents checklist

  • Third-country veterinary health certificate (EU model certificate)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate with microchip number
  • Signed declaration that the animal is not intended for sale or transfer

Rough budget

Approximate ranges: microchip €30–60, rabies vaccination €20–50, health certificate €100–250, possible courier/endorsement fees. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Jordbruksverket.

For non-EU listed countries (e.g. US, UK, Japan, Australia), the pet must be accompanied by an EU-model health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. The certificate must be endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority. No titer test or quarantine required if all conditions are met.

Jordbruksverket Sweden

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

Breed restrictions

Sweden does not ban any dog breeds. However, the Swedish Board of Agriculture has regulations on keeping certain breeds (e.g. American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier) that may require special permits or conditions for ownership, but these do not affect import for non-commercial travellers. Always check with Jordbruksverket for the latest rules.

Documents checklist

  • Third-country veterinary health certificate (EU model certificate)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate with microchip number
  • FAVN/RFFIT rabies antibody titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Signed declaration that the animal is not intended for sale or transfer

Rough budget

Approximate ranges: microchip €30–60, rabies vaccination €20–50, FAVN titer test €100–250, health certificate €100–250, possible courier/endorsement fees. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Jordbruksverket.

Pets from high-risk countries must enter through a designated Traveller's Point of Entry (TPE) and be declared to Swedish customs. The titer test must be done at an EU-approved laboratory. If the titer test result is below 0.5 IU/ml, the pet must be revaccinated and retested, and the 3-month waiting period restarts. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met.

Jordbruksverket Sweden

Frequently asked questions

You can bring up to 5 pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) per traveller under the EU Pet Travel Scheme. If you bring more than 5, the movement is considered commercial and requires additional veterinary certification and possibly an import permit.
Only if your dog is coming from a high-risk country for rabies (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East). The FAVN or RFFIT test must show at least 0.5 IU/ml and be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before entry. Dogs from EU/EEA countries and listed low-risk countries do not need a titer test.
No. Sweden has no quarantine requirement for dogs that meet all entry conditions (microchip, rabies vaccination, and for high-risk countries, a valid titer test and health certificate). If your dog does not meet the requirements, it may be refused entry or returned at your expense.
A puppy must be at least 15 weeks old to enter Sweden. This is because the rabies vaccination cannot be given before 12 weeks of age, and there is a 21-day waiting period after vaccination before the pet can travel.
No. Sweden does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from the standard import requirements. All dogs, regardless of their role, must comply with microchip, rabies vaccination, and documentation rules. Service dogs may be allowed in the cabin under airline rules, but import regulations remain the same.
You need: an ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), an EU-model health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by APHIS within 10 days of travel, and a signed declaration that the dog is not for sale. No titer test or quarantine is required for dogs from the USA.
No. All dogs entering Sweden must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip. If the chip is not ISO-compliant, you must carry your own microchip reader. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is given.

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

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) issued by an EU/EEA country or approved third country
  • Rabies vaccination certificate with vaccine batch number, date of administration, and valid until date
  • Microchip certificate or documented scan record
  • Signed declaration that the animal is not intended for sale or transfer of ownership

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–60, rabies vaccination €20–50, EU pet passport €20–40, health certificate (if required) €50–150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Jordbruksverket.

For cats from EU/EEA countries and listed third countries (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, Switzerland, Norway, etc.), Sweden applies the EU Pet Travel Scheme without additional national measures. The cat must be microchipped before rabies vaccination. No tapeworm treatment required for cats. No quarantine. Entry can be through any point of entry; no advance notification to Jordbruksverket required for non-commercial movement of up to 5 cats.

Jordbruksverket Sweden

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 veterinarian for the US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • EU veterinary health certificate for non-commercial movement of pets (Regulation (EU) No 577/2013 model certificate)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate with vaccine batch number and valid dates
  • Microchip certificate or documented scan record
  • Signed declaration of non-commercial movement (Annex IV declaration)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–60, rabies vaccination €20–50, EU health certificate €100–250 (varies by country), possible courier/endorsement fees €50–100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Jordbruksverket.

For cats from non-EU countries with controlled rabies status but not fully EU-equivalent (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand), Sweden requires an EU health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official government veterinarian. The certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country. No rabies titer test required if the cat was vaccinated in a country with controlled rabies status and the vaccine is valid. No quarantine. Entry must be through a designated point of entry (airports with customs) and the traveller must present the certificate to customs. Maximum 5 cats per non-commercial movement.

Jordbruksverket Sweden

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for the US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • EU veterinary health certificate for non-commercial movement of pets (Regulation (EU) No 577/2013 model certificate)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate with vaccine batch number and valid dates
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory
  • Microchip certificate or documented scan record
  • Signed declaration of non-commercial movement (Annex IV declaration)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–60, rabies vaccination €20–50, FAVN titer test €100–250 (plus shipping to EU-approved lab), EU health certificate €100–250, possible courier/endorsement fees €50–100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Jordbruksverket.

For cats from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), Sweden requires a valid rabies titer test (FAVN) with a result of ≥0.5 IU/ml taken at least 90 days before entry. The cat must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and the titer test must be done by an EU-approved laboratory. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met. Entry must be through a designated point of entry (Stockholm Arlanda, Gothenburg Landvetter, Malmö, etc.) and the traveller must present all documents to customs. Maximum 5 cats per non-commercial movement. If the titer test is not done or fails, the cat may be quarantined or returned at the owner's expense.

Jordbruksverket Sweden

Frequently asked questions

Sweden follows the EU rule: a single traveller may bring up to 5 cats (or dogs, or a combination) as a non-commercial movement. If you bring more than 5, the movement is considered commercial and requires additional veterinary certification, possible import permits, and compliance with trade regulations. The 5-pet limit applies per traveller, not per household.
It depends on the origin country. If your cat is coming from an EU/EEA country or a listed third country (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand), no titer test is required — just a valid rabies vaccination. If your cat is coming from a high-risk country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a FAVN titer test with a result of ≥0.5 IU/ml is required, and the blood sample must be taken at least 90 days before entry. The test must be done at an EU-approved laboratory.
Yes. All cats entering Sweden must 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 not considered valid and the cat may need to be revaccinated. If your cat has a non-ISO microchip, you must carry your own scanner or have the number recorded on the health certificate.
No. Sweden does not impose quarantine on cats entering from any country, provided all entry requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, titer test if required, health certificate) are met. If the cat arrives without the correct documentation, it may be refused entry, returned, or placed in quarantine at the owner's expense — but there is no routine quarantine for compliant animals.
No. Sweden does not grant any exemption from import requirements for emotional support animals or service animals. All cats, regardless of their role, must meet the same entry requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, titer test if applicable, and a valid EU health certificate. Airlines may have their own policies for cabin travel, but the border rules are the same.
You must present: (1) the cat's microchip documentation, (2) a valid rabies vaccination certificate, (3) an EU health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by an official government veterinarian (for non-EU origins), (4) a FAVN titer test result if coming from a high-risk country, and (5) a signed non-commercial movement declaration. For EU-origin cats, an EU pet passport replaces the health certificate. Customs officials at the point of entry will check these documents.
No. Non-commercial pets from non-EU countries must enter through a designated point of entry that has customs and veterinary border inspection. In Sweden, the main points of entry for pets are Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Gothenburg Landvetter Airport, and Malmö Airport. If you arrive at a smaller airport without border inspection, you may not be allowed to bring your cat in. Always check with Jordbruksverket or your airline before booking.

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

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 · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport (or equivalent) with rabies vaccination record
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Proof of ISO microchip implantation

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Jordbruksverket.

Ferrets from EU/EFTA countries follow the EU Pet Travel Scheme (Regulation (EU) No 576/2013) for non-commercial movement: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination at 12 weeks or older, then a 21-day wait before travel, and either an EU pet passport or a health certificate. No titer test or quarantine is required.

Jordbruksverket Sweden

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 · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport (or equivalent) with rabies vaccination record
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Proof of ISO microchip implantation

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Jordbruksverket.

Ferrets from low-risk countries (e.g., USA, UK, Japan) must meet the same requirements as EU-origin ferrets: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination at 12 weeks or older, a 21-day wait before travel, and a health certificate or EU pet passport. No titer test or quarantine is required. The UK is not part of the EU Pet Travel Scheme but ferrets from the UK can enter Sweden under the same non-commercial rules if they have an EU pet passport or a health certificate.

Jordbruksverket Sweden

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

  • EU pet passport (or equivalent) with rabies vaccination record
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Proof of ISO microchip implantation
  • Rabies titer test (FAVN) result from an EU-approved laboratory

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50, FAVN titer test €100–250. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Jordbruksverket.

Ferrets from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa) must have a rabies titer test (FAVN) with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The 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.

Jordbruksverket Sweden

Frequently asked questions

Sweden allows up to 5 ferrets per traveller for non-commercial movement. If you bring more than 5, the movement is considered commercial and requires additional veterinary certification and possibly an import permit. The limit applies per traveller, not per household.
No. Sweden does not exempt emotional support or service ferrets from import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test requirements. There is no special lane or waiver for assistance animals.
A ferret must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old at the time of rabies vaccination, and then wait 21 days after vaccination before travel. So the minimum age at entry is 15 weeks (about 3.5 months). For high-risk countries, the titer test adds at least 3 months, making the minimum age around 6.5 months.
It depends on the origin country. Ferrets from EU/EFTA countries and low-risk countries (e.g., USA, UK, Japan) do not need a titer test. Ferrets from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa) must have a FAVN titer test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel.
No. Sweden does not require an import permit for non-commercial movement of ferrets, regardless of origin, as long as all other requirements are met. However, if you are bringing more than 5 ferrets, commercial rules apply and you may need an import permit from Jordbruksverket.
You need an official health certificate issued by a government veterinarian in 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 EU-origin ferrets, an EU pet passport can replace the health certificate.
No. Sweden has no breed-specific bans or restrictions for ferrets. All ferrets are treated equally under the import rules. However, some airlines may have their own restrictions on transporting ferrets, so check with your carrier.

Good to know

Non-commercial movement of up to 5 pets per traveller is allowed; more than 5 triggers commercial rules. All pets must be at least 15 weeks old to enter (12 weeks for rabies vaccination + 21 days waiting period). Pets from high-risk countries must enter through a designated Traveller's Point of Entry (TPE) and be declared to customs. Sweden has no quarantine stations for pets; non-compliant animals may be refused entry or returned at the owner's expense.

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