Bringing a pet to Turkey

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Turkey applies one national pet-import regime for dogs, cats, and ferrets that does not vary by the origin country's rabies status. All dogs need an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, a rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel, and an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. There is no quarantine on arrival and no advance import permit for non-commercial movement of up to 5 pets. Turkey is not rabies-free, so no origin is treated as zero-friction. Confirm current rules with the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry before flying.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Turkey does not maintain a national breed ban for dogs entering the country. However, Turkish law restricts the ownership and import of certain dog breeds classified as dangerous (e.g. American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, and their crosses) under the Animal Protection Law No. 5199. These breeds may be seized or denied entry. Additionally, many airlines ban or restrict brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers in cargo, especially in summer — check with your carrier.

Documents checklist

  • ISO 11784/11785 microchip (or clearly readable microchip)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Owner's passport or ID matching the person travelling with the animal

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a guaranteed price — microchip ~$30–60, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, health certificate ~$50–150, airline pet fee ~$100–300 depending on cabin vs cargo. No titer test, permit, or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with your vet and airline.

No quarantine and no import permit for the standard non-commercial case.

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 private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority (e.g. USDA APHIS-endorsed for the US, DEFRA for the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Turkey does not maintain a national breed ban for dogs entering the country. However, Turkish law restricts the ownership and import of certain dog breeds classified as dangerous (e.g. American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, and their crosses) under the Animal Protection Law No. 5199. These breeds may be seized or denied entry. Additionally, many airlines ban or restrict brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers in cargo, especially in summer — check with your carrier.

Documents checklist

  • ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Owner's passport or ID

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a guaranteed price — microchip ~$30–60, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, health certificate ~$50–200 (USDA/DEFRA endorsement may add cost), airline pet fee ~$100–300. No titer test, permit, or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Verify locally; prices vary.

Ensure the health certificate is endorsed by the origin country's competent authority if that country requires endorsement.

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 private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Turkey does not maintain a national breed ban for dogs entering the country. However, Turkish law restricts the ownership and import of certain dog breeds classified as dangerous (e.g. American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, and their crosses) under the Animal Protection Law No. 5199. These breeds may be seized or denied entry. Additionally, many airlines ban or restrict brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers in cargo, especially in summer — check with your carrier.

Documents checklist

  • ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Owner's passport or ID

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only, not a guaranteed price — microchip ~$30–60, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, health certificate ~$50–200, airline pet fee ~$100–300. No titer test, permit, or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with your vet and airline.

Airlines and transit countries may impose stricter rules — check transit requirements if connecting through the EU or another strict country.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Up to 5 pets per traveller for non-commercial movement. More than 5 may be treated as commercial and require additional import permits, veterinary inspections, and a different clearance process. Contact the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in advance if you are moving with a larger number of animals.
No. Turkey does not require a rabies antibody titer test for dogs entering from any origin, including high-risk countries, as long as the dog has a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel. This differs from the EU, which requires a titer test for pets from high-risk countries.
No. Turkey does not quarantine dogs that arrive with a valid microchip, rabies vaccination certificate, and health certificate. If paperwork is missing or the vaccination is not valid, the animal may be detained, returned, or placed in quarantine at the owner's expense.
An official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. It must be issued by a government veterinarian or an accredited private veterinarian endorsed by your country's competent authority (e.g. USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). The certificate should state the dog is healthy, free of infectious diseases, and has a valid rabies vaccination. Some countries require the certificate to be endorsed or stamped by the government before travel.
No. For non-commercial movement of up to 5 pets, Turkey does not require an advance import permit. You only need the microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate. Commercial imports or more than 5 animals require a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
No. Turkey does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from the standard import requirements. They must have an ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and a health certificate. Airlines may allow service dogs in the cabin, but the government's animal-health rules still apply.
Turkey restricts the import and ownership of certain breeds classified as dangerous under Law No. 5199, including American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, and their crosses. These dogs may be denied entry or seized. Check with the Turkish consulate or Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry before travelling.

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

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

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Pet passport (if available from origin country)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: 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 vet and the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Turkey accepts cats from rabies-free countries without titer testing or quarantine. The cat must be accompanied by the owner or a person responsible for the animal. All documents must be in Turkish or English.

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 accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Pet passport (if available from origin country)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: 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 vet and the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Turkey applies the same rules for low-risk countries as for rabies-free countries. The cat must be accompanied by the owner or a person responsible for the animal.

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
Quarantine applies only if the rabies titer test was not performed at least 90 days before travel; the cat is held until the 90-day period is complete, at the owner's expense.
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

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory, dated at least 90 days before travel
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Import permit issued by the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
  • Pet passport (if available from origin country)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit ~$50-150. Quarantine, if applicable, is at the owner's expense. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Cats from high-risk countries must have a valid rabies titer test and an import permit. If the titer test is not done at least 90 days before travel, the cat will be quarantined upon arrival until the 90-day period is complete. The cat must be accompanied by the owner or a person responsible for the animal.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Up to 5 pets (cats or dogs) per person. More than 5 is treated as commercial and requires additional import permits, trade health certificates, and commercial import compliance. Each cat needs its own documentation.
No. Turkey does not exempt emotional support or service cats from standard import requirements. All cats must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and, if applicable, titer test and import permit rules.
Cats from high-risk countries must have a FAVN or RFFIT rabies titer test result of at least 0.5 IU/ml from an approved laboratory, dated at least 90 days before travel. If the test is done less than 90 days before travel, the cat is quarantined until the 90-day period is complete. The test is not required for cats from low-risk or rabies-free countries.
Yes. All cats entering Turkey must have an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a government veterinarian or an accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country. It must be in Turkish or English.
All cats must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination. If the cat was vaccinated before microchipping, a booster vaccination after microchipping is required.
Only cats from high-risk countries require an import permit, obtained from the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry before travel. Cats from low-risk or rabies-free countries do not need an import permit.
No quarantine applies to cats from rabies-free or low-risk countries that meet all entry requirements. For cats from high-risk countries, quarantine applies only if the rabies titer test was not done at least 90 days before travel; the cat is held until the 90-day period is complete, at the owner's expense.

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

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, endorsed by the central veterinary 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 not expired
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's passport or ID

Rough budget

Approximate costs: 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 vet and the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Ferrets are not listed in the EU Pet Travel Scheme, but Turkey generally applies similar rules for non-commercial movement. The animal must be accompanied by the owner or an authorised 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 of the origin country, endorsed by the central veterinary 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 not expired
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's passport or ID

Rough budget

Approximate costs: 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 vet and the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Same requirements as for rabies-free countries. Ensure the rabies vaccine is current and administered at least 21 days before travel.

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, endorsed by the central veterinary 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 not expired
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from an approved laboratory showing at least 0.5 IU/ml
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Import permit issued by the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
  • Owner's passport or ID

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

The import permit must be obtained before travel; apply at least 2 months in advance. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, ferrets are allowed into Turkey for non-commercial purposes if they meet specific requirements: a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel, and an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries also need a rabies titer test and an import permit.
Turkey generally allows up to 5 pets per traveller for non-commercial movement. If you bring more than 5, the shipment may be considered commercial and require additional permits and veterinary inspections. Check with the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for the latest rules.
No. Turkey does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must comply with the same vaccination, microchip, health certificate, and permit rules. Airlines may have additional policies for cabin travel, but the country's import rules remain the same.
A rabies titer test (FAVN) is required only for ferrets coming from high-risk rabies countries. The test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, showing a minimum antibody level of 0.5 IU/ml. Ferrets from low-risk or rabies-free countries do not need this test.
An import permit is required only for ferrets from high-risk rabies countries. You must apply for the permit from the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry before travel. Processing can take several weeks, so apply at least 2 months in advance. Ferrets from low-risk or rabies-free countries do not need a permit.
Ferrets must be at least 3 months old to enter Turkey. This ensures they are old enough to have received a valid rabies vaccination, which is mandatory. The rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel.
No, there is no quarantine for ferrets entering Turkey if all import requirements are met. However, if the animal arrives without proper documentation or fails health checks, it may be quarantined or refused entry at the owner's expense.

Good to know

Turkey's pet-import rules are set nationally by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı) and do not differentiate by the origin country's rabies-risk tier. The same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health-certificate requirements apply whether the dog comes from Germany, the US, or Thailand. There is no post-arrival quarantine for compliant pets and no routine import permit for non-commercial movement of up to 5 pets. Airlines may impose carrier, crate, and brachycephalic-breed restrictions stricter than the government's.

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