Bringing a Pet to Greece

Can You Bring Your Pet to Greece?

Yes, you can import your dog or cat to Greece as long as you follow EU pet travel rules and Greece's specific requirements. Greece is an EU member state and accepts the EU Pet Passport system, making the process standardized but detailed. The good news: if your pet meets all requirements, no quarantine is required.

However, Greece has strict documentation and health requirements that must be completed in the correct order. Missing even one step or getting the timeline wrong can delay your arrival or prevent entry.

Who Can Enter Greece?

• Dogs: Allowed (no national breed restrictions documented, though some municipalities may have local rules)
• Cats: Allowed
• Other pets: We're still verifying this — check with Greece's government veterinary authority

Approved Ports of Entry

Your pet must arrive through one of these official entry points:

• Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos
• Port of Piraeus

Plan your travel accordingly. We're still verifying whether advance notification is required or if there are night/weekend restrictions.

The Critical Order: Microchip First, Then Vaccination

This is the most important rule. Your pet's microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination. If you vaccinate first, the vaccination won't be valid for entry into Greece.

The microchip must meet the ISO 11784/11785 standard — this is the international standard and your vet will know it. Record the microchip number; you'll need it for all documents.

Step-by-Step Timeline (Working Backwards from Departure)

8–10 Weeks Before Departure

1. Schedule a vet appointment to implant the microchip (if not already done). Confirm it meets ISO 11784/11785 standard.
2. Verify your pet's age: Rabies vaccination cannot happen before 12 weeks of age. If your pet is younger, plan accordingly.

7–8 Weeks Before Departure

1. Administer rabies vaccination at your vet clinic. This must happen at least 21 days before the titer test (see below).
2. Keep the original vaccination certificate — you'll need it for the health certificate and titer test authorization.

5–6 Weeks Before Departure

1. Schedule a rabies titer test with an approved laboratory. The test must happen at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination.
2. Confirm the lab is approved: We're still verifying the list of approved laboratories — contact your vet or Greece's Ministry of Rural Development and Food for current approved labs.
3. The titer level must be at least 0.5 IU/mL to be acceptable.

3–4 Weeks Before Departure

1. Obtain titer test results. You must wait at least 30 days after the titer test before traveling (this is a hard requirement).
2. Schedule a health certificate appointment with an official veterinarian. The certificate must be issued by an official vet and endorsed by the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

10 Days Before Departure

1. Obtain the official health certificate. This document is valid for only 10 days, so timing is critical. It must be in the EU model format with official government stamps.
2. Verify the certificate includes:
   • Your pet's microchip number
   • Rabies vaccination details (date and vaccine name)
   • Titer test results (minimum 0.5 IU/mL)
   • Official vet signature and stamp
   • Government endorsement from the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food
   • Original document (not a photocopy)

5–7 Days Before Departure

1. Confirm your pet's health: Your vet should verify your pet is fit to travel.
2. Arrange transport: Contact your airline to confirm pet travel policies. Different carriers have different rules for cabin vs. cargo travel.
3. Double-check all documents: Health certificate, microchip records, vaccination proof, titer results.

Day of Departure

1. Carry all original documents in your carry-on or with your pet.
2. Arrive early for check-in to allow time for any documentation review.

Rabies Vaccination Requirements

• Required: Yes, mandatory for entry
• Minimum age: 12 weeks old
• Waiting period after vaccination: At least 21 days before the titer test
• Booster required: Yes, every 36 months (3 years)
• Vaccine age at travel: Must not be older than 12 months

If your pet's rabies vaccine is older than 12 months at the time of travel, you'll need a booster vaccination before departure.

Rabies Titer Test Requirements

Greece requires a rabies antibody titer test to verify your pet's immunity. This is not optional.

• Required: Yes, mandatory
• Minimum antibody level: 0.5 IU/mL
• Approved laboratory: Must be used (we're still verifying the approved list — contact Greece's veterinary authority)
• Timing after vaccination: At least 30 days after rabies vaccination
• Waiting period after test: At least 30 days before travel

Timeline example: If your pet is vaccinated on Day 1, the titer test can be done on Day 31 or later. You can then travel on Day 61 or later.

Health Certificate Requirements

• Required: Yes, mandatory
• Issuer: Official veterinarian only
• Government endorsement: Must be endorsed by the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food
• Validity: 10 days only — obtain this as close to departure as possible
• Format: Must follow EU model format with official stamps
• Original required: Yes, photocopies are not accepted

Import Permit (Optional)

An import permit is not strictly required for personal pet imports to Greece, but if you need one, allow 30 days for processing. The permit is valid for 28 days once issued.

Tapeworm Treatment

Tapeworm (Echinococcus) treatment is not required for Greece. This requirement applies only to the UK, Ireland, Finland, Malta, and Norway.

Quarantine

No quarantine is required if your pet meets all requirements (valid microchip, rabies vaccination, titer test, and health certificate). Compliant pets enter without delay.

Documents Checklist

Before departure, ensure you have originals of:

• EU Pet Passport or equivalent health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
• Microchip identification number and proof of implantation
• Rabies vaccination certificate (dated and signed by official vet)
• Rabies titer test results (showing minimum 0.5 IU/mL)
• Owner identification and proof of residence
• Airline pet travel documentation (if required by your carrier)

Download our documents checklist for a printable version.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Vaccinating before microchipping: The microchip must come first. If you vaccinate first, the vaccination is invalid for Greece entry.
• Waiting too long for the health certificate: It's valid for only 10 days. Get it as close to departure as possible.
• Not waiting 30 days after the titer test: This is a hard requirement. You cannot travel sooner.
• Using a photocopy of the health certificate: Only originals with official stamps are accepted.
• Forgetting the microchip number: Record it immediately after implantation. You'll need it for multiple documents.
• Assuming all vets can issue government-endorsed certificates: Only official vets can issue health certificates endorsed by the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food.
• Not checking vaccine age: If your rabies vaccine is older than 12 months, get a booster before travel.

Breed Restrictions

Greece does not have a documented national list of banned or restricted dog breeds. However, some municipalities may have local restrictions. Check with your destination municipality before importing a large or powerful breed. Contact the local veterinary office or municipality office in the area where you'll be living.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Import

• Start early: The entire process takes 8–10 weeks minimum. Don't rush.
• Use a vet experienced in EU pet travel: They'll know the correct order of procedures and which labs are approved.
• Keep digital copies: Photograph all documents and store them in the cloud in case originals are lost.
• Confirm airline policies: Different carriers have different rules for pet travel. Some allow pets in cabin; others require cargo transport.
• Plan for stress: International travel is stressful for pets. Consider calming aids and ensure your pet is comfortable in their carrier.
• Arrange local vet care in advance: Have a vet lined up in Greece for any post-arrival health checks.

Need Help?

Greece's veterinary authority is the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. They can provide clarification on approved laboratories, local breed restrictions, and any updates to import requirements.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll create a custom timeline based on your pet's age, vaccination status, and travel date.

This guide is based on verified data from official government sources, last updated April 2026. Requirements can change. Always confirm current rules with Greece's veterinary authority before traveling.

Auto-generated from verified government data · Last updated: April 23, 2026