Can You Bring Your Pet to Faroe Islands?

Yes, you can import both dogs and cats to Faroe Islands as personal pets, provided you meet all health and documentation requirements. I've moved internationally three times with Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever, and I can tell you that the Faroe Islands process is manageable when you plan ahead and follow the rules precisely.

The Faroe Islands has specific entry requirements for pets, including microchipping, rabies vaccination, health certificates, and an import permit. The good news: if you complete everything correctly, your pet won't face quarantine. The key is starting early—at least 4–6 months before your departure date.

Your Preparation Timeline

6 months before departure

Schedule a pre-travel vet consultation. Contact your veterinarian and explain you're moving to Faroe Islands. They'll review your pet's current vaccinations and microchip status. This is the time to ask about any gaps in their records or health concerns that might affect travel.

5–6 months before departure

Ensure your pet has an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. This 15-digit microchip is the international standard and is mandatory. If your pet already has a non-ISO chip, you'll need to provide your own compatible scanner or get a second ISO chip implanted. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination (this is critical—see the vaccination section below).

5 months before departure

Apply for your import permit. Contact Faroe Islands's government veterinary authority to request an import permit for your pet. The typical lead time is 30 days, but apply now to be safe. You'll need your pet's microchip number, vaccination records, and basic information about your pet (name, breed, age, color). Keep the permit reference number handy.

4–5 months before departure

Administer the first rabies vaccination (if needed). If your pet has never been vaccinated against rabies, or if the previous vaccination has expired, your vet will give the primary dose now. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination. After this primary vaccination, you must wait 21 days before your pet can travel. Mark this date on your calendar.

If your pet's rabies vaccination is current and valid, you're ahead of schedule. Ensure the booster is up to date (boosters are required).

3–4 months before departure

Confirm receipt of your import permit. Follow up with Faroe Islands's veterinary authority to ensure your permit has been issued and approved. This is your official authorization to import your pet. Store it safely—you'll need it at the port of entry.

Core Requirements for Dogs and Cats

Microchip

Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted before any rabies vaccination. This is non-negotiable. The microchip serves as permanent identification and is scanned at entry. If your pet has a non-ISO chip, contact your vet about implanting a second ISO-compliant chip.

Rabies Vaccination

Rabies vaccination is mandatory. Key points:

  • Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of first vaccination
  • After the primary vaccination, wait 21 days before traveling
  • Booster vaccinations are required to keep the vaccine current
  • The vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian

When I traveled with Cooper, I made sure his rabies booster was fresh—no more than a year old. Check your pet's vaccination certificate to confirm the date.

Health Certificate

An official health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian is required. The certificate must:

  • Be issued within 10 days of your departure date
  • Be endorsed by your country's government veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS in the United States, APHA in the United Kingdom, CFIA in Canada)
  • Certify that your pet is healthy and fit to travel
  • Include your pet's microchip number, vaccination records, and physical examination findings

The government endorsement is a separate step from the vet exam and takes additional time—typically 5–10 business days. Schedule your vet appointment 5–7 days before your planned departure to allow time for the endorsement process.

Import Permit

Faroe Islands requires an import permit for both dogs and cats. Apply at least 30 days before arrival. You'll need:

  • Your pet's microchip number
  • Proof of current rabies vaccination
  • Your contact information and destination address in Faroe Islands

Approved Port of Entry

Dogs must enter through Vagar Airport (FAE). Cats may have additional approved entry points—verify with Faroe Islands's veterinary authority. Ensure your flight arrives at an approved port and notify the authorities in advance if possible.

Quarantine Requirements

Good news: if your pet arrives with complete, valid documentation (microchip, current rabies vaccination, health certificate, and import permit), quarantine is not required. Duration is 0 days for compliant arrivals.

However, if documentation is incomplete or invalid, quarantine may be imposed. Ensure every document is in order before you travel.

Breed Restrictions

Faroe Islands does not have breed restrictions for dogs or cats. All breeds are allowed, provided they meet the health and documentation requirements above.

Documents Checklist

  • ISO 11784/11785 microchip implant confirmation (with microchip number)
  • Current rabies vaccination certificate (issued by licensed vet)
  • Health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian
  • Government veterinary authority endorsement of health certificate
  • Import permit from Faroe Islands (approved and in hand)
  • Proof of microchip implantation date (must precede rabies vaccination)
  • Airline pet travel documentation (if required by your carrier)
  • Copy of your pet's full vaccination history

Keep originals in a waterproof folder and carry copies in your carry-on luggage. I always travel with both originals and certified copies—it's saved me headaches more than once.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Journey

Timing Your Health Certificate

The health certificate is valid for only 10 days. Schedule your vet appointment so the certificate is issued no more than 10 days before your departure. If you miss this window, you'll need a new certificate—and another government endorsement, which takes time.

Airline Considerations

Contact your airline well in advance. Most carriers have specific pet travel policies, crate requirements, and fees. Some airlines allow pets in the cabin; others require cargo shipping. When I flew Cooper internationally, I booked his travel 8 weeks ahead to secure the best rates and ensure space availability.

Microchip Registration

After implanting the microchip, register it with the microchip company and provide your contact details. This ensures your pet can be identified if lost during travel.

Acclimation and Stress

International travel is stressful for pets. Start crate training weeks in advance, maintain a calm routine, and consider calming supplements recommended by your vet. Cooper traveled better when I kept his routine as normal as possible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Implanting the microchip after rabies vaccination. The microchip must come first—this is a hard requirement.
  • Waiting until the last minute for the import permit. Apply 30+ days early; delays happen.
  • Issuing the health certificate too early. It's only valid for 10 days. Time it right.
  • Forgetting the government endorsement step. The vet's signature alone isn't enough; you need official government approval.
  • Assuming your pet's old rabies vaccine is still valid. Check the expiration date; boosters are required.
  • Not confirming the approved port of entry. Arriving at the wrong airport can cause serious delays.
  • Traveling without copies of all documents. Keep originals safe and carry certified copies separately.

Service Dogs and Special Circumstances

Trained service dogs (guide dogs, hearing dogs, mobility dogs) are recognized by most countries, including those following ICAO standards. However, service dog status does not waive standard import documentation—health certificates, vaccinations, and permits still apply. Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not recognized for travel purposes by government import authorities.

If you're traveling with a service dog, notify your airline 48 hours in advance and ensure all health documentation is complete.

Final Checklist Before Departure

  • Import permit received and approved
  • Microchip implanted and registered
  • Rabies vaccination current and booster up to date
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
  • Health certificate endorsed by government veterinary authority
  • All documents in waterproof folder (originals and copies)
  • Airline pet travel confirmed and paid
  • Crate or carrier ready and pet acclimated
  • Destination address and local vet contact info saved

Moving internationally with a pet requires patience and precision, but it's absolutely doable. I've done it three times with Cooper, and each time I've learned something new. Start early, follow the timeline, and don't skip steps. Your pet will arrive safe and healthy.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to streamline your pet's import process and ensure nothing is missed.

Note: This guide is based on verified data from official sources current as of 2024. Pet import regulations can change. Always confirm requirements directly with Faroe Islands's government veterinary authority before finalizing your travel plans.

Auto-generated from verified government data · Last updated: April 21, 2026