Pets

Moving with a pet

Taking a dog or cat to any of the 18 countries we cover, from the UK or the US: what it takes to get in, how long to allow, and the part people forget, which is what it takes to bring them home again.

Check with your vet before you book anything. Pet rules change often and the official certificate for your trip is the final word. This page tells you what to expect and how long to allow; your vet and the destination's authority confirm it.

Start here, whatever the country

  1. Microchip first, then the rabies jab. Almost everywhere, a jab given before the chip doesn't count. Keep boosters up to date: a lapse can restart the whole process.
  2. Plan the way home before you go. Coming back to the UK from Thailand, Colombia, Brazil and several others means a rabies blood test and a 3-month wait. Do the test before you leave and the wait runs while you're away. From the US, if you're going to a high-risk country such as Thailand, Colombia or the UAE, get the CDC's US rabies vaccination form endorsed by USDA before you fly out: you can't do it from abroad.
  3. Check the breed lists. Staffies, Pit Bull types, Akitas, Rottweilers and others are banned or restricted in several of these countries, and some breeds are banned in Great Britain.
  4. Allow enough time. Most countries need about a month of paperwork. Japan needs at least seven months. Bali is closed to pets altogether.

Every country at a glance

CountryGetting inAllowBack to the UKBack to the US (dogs)
PortugalLisbonStraightforwardAbout a monthEasy: EU rulesCDC import form only
SpainBarcelona, Las PalmasStraightforwardAbout a monthEasy: EU rulesCDC import form only
HungaryBudapestStraightforwardAbout a monthEasy: EU rulesCDC import form only
GreeceAthensStraightforwardAbout a monthEasy: EU rulesCDC import form only
MaltaVallettaStraightforwardAbout a monthEasy: EU rulesCDC import form only
CroatiaSplitStraightforwardAbout a monthEasy: EU rulesCDC import form only
GeorgiaTbilisiPaperworkAbout a month, longer if you're going on to the EUBlood test, then 3 monthsHigh-risk rules
United Arab EmiratesDubaiPermit and cargoOne to two months from the UK; about two months from the US, for the blood testGB health certificateHigh-risk rules
South AfricaCape TownPermit and blood testsTwo to three monthsBlood test, then 3 monthsHigh-risk rules
ThailandBangkok, Chiang MaiPermit firstAbout a monthBlood test, then 3 monthsHigh-risk rules
MalaysiaKuala LumpurPermit and breed bansOne to two months, plus quarantineGB health certificateHigh-risk rules
IndonesiaBaliClosed to petsNot possible for BaliBlood test, then 3 monthsHigh-risk rules
JapanTokyoLong lead timeAt least 7 monthsGB health certificateCDC import form only
MexicoMexico CityStraightforwardA few weeksGB health certificateImport form, plus screwworm certificate
ColombiaMedellinPaperworkAbout a monthBlood test, then 3 monthsHigh-risk rules, plus screwworm certificate
ArgentinaBuenos AiresPaperworkAbout a monthGB health certificateImport form, plus screwworm certificate
BrazilFlorianopolisPaperworkAbout a monthBlood test, then 3 monthsHigh-risk rules, plus screwworm certificate
Costa RicaSanta TeresaPaperworkAbout a monthBlood test, then 3 monthsImport form, plus screwworm certificate

The EU rules

These apply in Portugal, Spain, Hungary, Greece, Malta, Croatia. Each country's extras follow below.

From the UK

  • An ISO microchip, fitted before or at the same time as the rabies jab.
  • A rabies jab at 12 weeks old or more, then wait 21 days after the first jab before you travel. No blood test is needed from the UK.
  • An Animal Health Certificate signed by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of arriving in the EU. UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid. The certificate then covers travel within the EU, and back to Great Britain, for 4 months. Staying longer? You'll need a new document to come home: see Coming home.

From the US

  • An ISO microchip, fitted before the rabies jab (or carry a reader that can scan your pet's chip).
  • A rabies jab at 12 weeks old or more, then wait 21 days, or longer if the vaccine maker says so. A first US jab only counts as valid for one year, whatever the label says.
  • The EU health certificate from a USDA-accredited vet, endorsed by USDA APHIS no more than 10 days before you arrive. A new version of the certificate applies from 1 October 2026. You (or someone you name in writing) must travel within 5 days of the pet.

Either way

  • Arrive through a travellers' point of entry, where your papers and the chip are checked. Up to 5 pets.
  • No quarantine if everything is in order. If it isn't, the pet can be refused, isolated or sent back at your cost.
  • The EU replaced its pet travel rules on 22 April 2026, and some official pages still describe the old ones.

Sources: GOV.UK, USDA APHIS, September 2026, EU Regulation 2026/636

Portugal

Straightforward
Our cities
Lisbon
Allow
About a month

The EU rules apply, plus:

Extras

  • Tell the entry point at least 48 hours before you arrive, using DGAV's arrival notice form. You send it, not the airline.
  • An inspection fee of €43.17 for one animal, €86.34 for two or more. Lisbon airport's pet desk is closed from midnight to 6am.
  • Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu and their crosses can come in, but you sign a declaration at the airport. Dogs with an official pedigree are exempt.

Coming home

  • To the UK: straightforward, under the EU rules. The details
  • To the US with a dog: just the CDC import form. The details

Sources: DGAV (Portugal), 2026

Spain

Straightforward
Allow
About a month

The EU rules apply, plus:

Extras

  • Barcelona-El Prat and Gran Canaria airports are both pet entry points. The Canary Islands follow the same rules as the rest of Spain.
  • Spain lists "potentially dangerous" dogs: Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu and their crosses. Owners living in Spain need a council licence, €120,000 of liability insurance, and a muzzle and short lead in public. Ask the local council whether that applies to your stay.

Coming home

  • To the UK: straightforward, under the EU rules. The details
  • To the US with a dog: just the CDC import form. The details

Sources: MAPA (Spain), October 2025, Real Decreto 287/2002

Hungary

Straightforward
Our cities
Budapest
Allow
About a month

The EU rules apply, plus:

Extras

  • The certificate must be in Hungarian as well as English.
  • Dogs must be at least 15 weeks old. In practice the jab rules mean cats must be too.

Coming home

  • To the UK: straightforward, under the EU rules. The details
  • To the US with a dog: just the CDC import form. The details

Sources: Nébih (Hungary), July 2026

Greece

Straightforward
Our cities
Athens
Allow
About a month

The EU rules apply, plus:

Extras

  • Nothing extra beyond the EU rules that we could confirm. Greece's own guidance online dates from 2013, so check with your vet.

Coming home

  • To the UK: straightforward, under the EU rules. The details
  • To the US with a dog: just the CDC import form. The details

Sources: Greek Ministry of Rural Development

Malta

Straightforward
Our cities
Valletta
Allow
About a month

The EU rules apply, plus:

Extras

  • Dogs need a tapeworm treatment from a vet 24 to 120 hours before arriving in Malta, every trip, recorded on the certificate. From the US, a USDA-accredited vet must give it.
  • Since December 2024, Malta has banned breeding and selling non-pedigree "bully" type dogs, and the law's title also covers keeping them. It doesn't say how this applies to a visitor's dog. If your dog is a bully type without a pedigree, check with Malta's animal welfare authority before you book.

Coming home

  • To the UK: straightforward, under the EU rules, and no dog tapeworm treatment if you come straight from Malta. The details
  • To the US with a dog: just the CDC import form. The details

Sources: GOV.UK, Commissioner for Animal Welfare (Malta)

Croatia

Straightforward
Our cities
Split
Allow
About a month

The EU rules apply, plus:

Extras

  • You sign a statement that the pet isn't for sale.
  • Bull terrier type dogs without an FCI-recognised pedigree can't enter. Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Bull Terriers with a pedigree from an FCI member kennel club can.

Coming home

  • To the UK: straightforward, under the EU rules. The details
  • To the US with a dog: just the CDC import form. The details

Sources: Croatian Customs

Georgia

Paperwork
Our cities
Tbilisi
Allow
About a month, longer if you're going on to the EU

From the UK

  • An export health certificate (EHC 4682), applied for online and signed by an Official Veterinarian.
  • A rabies jab 30 days to 12 months before you leave, and a vet check no more than 2 days before. The certificate is valid for 10 days.

From the US

  • No import permit. A rabies jab at least 21 days before travel, and no blood test if you fly direct.
  • Dogs need treatment for internal and external parasites. A health certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS, valid 10 days, plus a signed non-commercial declaration. Up to 5 pets.

Either way

  • Georgia isn't on the EU's list, so if you're going on to an EU country afterwards, your pet will need a rabies blood test and a 3-month wait first.

Coming home

  • To the UK: a rabies blood test, then a 3-month wait before you travel. The details
  • To the US with a dog: the CDC's high-risk rules apply. The details

Sources: GOV.UK, April 2026, USDA APHIS, February 2026

United Arab Emirates

Permit and cargo
Our cities
Dubai
Allow
One to two months from the UK; about two months from the US, for the blood test

From the UK

  • An export health certificate (EHC 3926). Pets must be at least 15 weeks old, with a rabies jab more than 21 days before export.
  • Dogs need distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and leptospirosis jabs; cats need panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus. Parasite treatment less than 14 days before, and a vet check within 24 hours of export.

From the US

  • A microchip, a rabies jab at least 21 days before, and a rabies blood test (0.5 IU/ml or more) taken no more than 12 months before travel.
  • The same other jabs and parasite treatment as from the UK. A health certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS in ink, valid 10 days.

Either way

  • An import permit from the UAE environment ministry (MOCCAE) before you fly, valid 30 days. Up to 2 pets a year.
  • Pets fly as cargo, not in the cabin.
  • Banned: Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tibetan Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, Boerboel, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Presa Canario, Bully Kutta, and crosses of them.

Coming home

  • To the UK: a GB pet health certificate issued in the last 10 days. The details
  • To the US with a dog: the CDC's high-risk rules apply. The details

Sources: GOV.UK, May 2026, USDA APHIS, July 2025

South Africa

Permit and blood tests
Our cities
Cape Town
Allow
Two to three months

From the UK

  • For dogs, an export health certificate (EHC 6256). A microchip, and a first rabies jab 30 days to 12 months before export.
  • Blood tests for Brucella canis, surra, Babesia gibsoni, heartworm and leishmaniosis. Heartworm treatment starts after the test and carries on for 6 months after you arrive.

From the US

  • For dogs: a microchip, a rabies jab more than 30 days before export, and the same five blood tests, all negative and taken within 30 days of arrival.
  • Vet check, certificate and USDA APHIS endorsement all within 10 days of travel.

Either way

  • A veterinary import permit from South Africa's Department of Agriculture for every dog and cat, applied for by email before you travel.
  • We couldn't confirm the rules for cats from an official page: check the permit conditions.

Coming home

  • To the UK: a rabies blood test, then a 3-month wait before you travel. The details
  • To the US with a dog: the CDC's high-risk rules apply. The details

Sources: South African Government, GOV.UK, May 2026, USDA APHIS, January 2026

Thailand

Permit first
Our cities
Bangkok, Chiang Mai
Allow
About a month

From the UK

  • An export health certificate (EHC 2917), signed by an Official Veterinarian.

From the US

  • A health certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS, valid 10 days. Thailand accepts only the original paper with an ink endorsement, not a digital copy.

Either way

  • An import permit from the Animal Quarantine Station at your arrival airport, applied for by email before you fly, with your passport, a photo of the pet, flight details and the vaccination and microchip records. Allow at least a week; 30 days ahead is safest.
  • Pets must be at least 4 months old, with a rabies jab at least 21 days before departure. Dogs also need distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis; cats need panleukopenia. No blood test.
  • Bangkok's airports and Chiang Mai airport all have a quarantine station. A fee of THB 500 per animal. No breed restrictions.
  • Quarantine: Thai embassy guidance from 2025 says healthy pets aren't quarantined, but older official documents say at least 30 days. Ask the quarantine station when you apply for the permit.

Coming home

  • To the UK: a rabies blood test, then a 3-month wait before you travel. The details
  • To the US with a dog: the CDC's high-risk rules apply. The details

Sources: Royal Thai Embassy, The Hague, March 2025, Royal Thai Consulate, Chicago, February 2025

Malaysia

Permit and breed bans
Our cities
Kuala Lumpur
Allow
One to two months, plus quarantine

From the UK

  • An export health certificate (EHC 3914): 6 months' UK residence, an ISO microchip, a vet check within 48 hours, and flea, tick and worm treatment within 15 days. The certificate is valid 7 days.
  • The UK certificate doesn't ask for a rabies jab, but have one anyway: you'll need it to come home.

From the US

  • 6 months' US residence, a rabies jab, and a health certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS, valid 30 days.

Either way

  • An import permit, applied for online through Malaysia's quarantine service before you fly.
  • Banned dogs and their crosses: Akita, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, American Bulldog, Tosa, Neapolitan Mastiff, Boerboel, Presa Canario, Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Bullmastiff, Bull Terrier, Dobermann, German Shepherd, Rottweiler and Cane Corso need written approval first. Bengal and Savannah cats of the first four generations are banned.
  • Expect quarantine. Malaysia's current conditions for pets from Australia, which is rabies-free like the UK, require at least 14 days at an approved quarantine station. We couldn't confirm the rules for UK or US pets from a Malaysian page. Ask when you apply for the permit, and book quarantine space early.

Coming home

  • To the UK: a GB pet health certificate issued in the last 10 days, plus a Malaysian government certificate covering pig contact and a negative Nipah virus blood test taken in the 10 days before you leave. The details
  • To the US with a dog: the CDC's high-risk rules apply. The details

Sources: GOV.UK, October 2023, Australian Government record of Malaysia's conditions, May 2025

Indonesia

Closed to pets
Our cities
Bali
Allow
Not possible for Bali

The rules

  • Bali has banned bringing dogs and cats in, or taking them out, since 2008, because of rabies. Its rules count keeping a pet as "commercial", so your own pet is covered by the ban. We found no sign it has been lifted, and rabies is still active on the island.
  • The UK government also lists Bali as closed to dogs and cats. Elsewhere in Indonesia, such as Jakarta, pets can enter with an import permit, a rabies blood test and quarantine on arrival.

Coming home

  • To the UK: a rabies blood test, then a 3-month wait before you travel. The details
  • To the US with a dog: the CDC's high-risk rules apply. The details

Sources: Bali Governor Regulation 88/2008, GOV.UK, December 2023

Japan

Long lead time
Our cities
Tokyo
Allow
At least 7 months

From the UK

  • An export health certificate (EHC 6407). The UK isn't one of Japan's rabies-free "designated regions", so UK pets follow the full rules below.

From the US

  • Form AC, completed by a USDA-accredited vet and endorsed by USDA APHIS. Hawaii and Guam have lighter rules; the rest of the US follows the full rules below.

Either way

  • An ISO microchip first. Then two rabies jabs: the first at 91 days old or more, the second at least 30 days later.
  • A rabies blood test after the second jab, at an approved lab, scoring 0.5 IU/ml or more. Then wait 180 days from the blood test before arriving.
  • Notify Japan's Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before you arrive. A vet check within 10 days of flying.
  • For Tokyo, dogs must arrive at Narita or Haneda. If everything is in order, the check takes under 12 hours. If not, the pet can be held for up to 180 days at your cost, or sent back.

Coming home

  • To the UK: a GB pet health certificate issued in the last 10 days. The details
  • To the US with a dog: just the CDC import form. The details

Sources: Animal Quarantine Service (Japan), USDA APHIS, July 2025

Mexico

Straightforward
Our cities
Mexico City
Allow
A few weeks

From the UK

  • An export health certificate (EHC 3915), valid 15 days. A rabies jab 15 days to 12 months before, deworming within the last 6 months, and a vet check within 48 hours of export.

From the US

  • Dogs: since 3 August 2026, a screwworm inspection certificate from a USDA-accredited vet, issued no more than 5 days before travel. It doesn't need APHIS endorsement.
  • Cats: no health certificate needed.

Either way

  • A SENASICA officer inspects the pet on arrival. If ticks are found, it can be held and treated at your cost. The carrier must be clean, with no bedding or toys.

Coming home

  • To the UK: a GB pet health certificate issued in the last 10 days. The details
  • To the US with a dog: the CDC import form, plus a screwworm certificate from a government vet. The details

Sources: USDA APHIS, September 2026, Mexican government FAQ, March 2026

Colombia

Paperwork
Our cities
Medellin
Allow
About a month

From the UK

  • An export health certificate (EHC 3896), with a vet check no more than 96 hours before export. The UK guidance says an import permit is needed; ask ICA, Colombia's agriculture authority, before you travel.

From the US

  • A health certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS within 10 days of travel. Pets must be at least 15 weeks old, with a first rabies jab at least 21 days before, and parasite treatment within 60 days. No import permit for your own pet.

Either way

  • Register online with ICA as a traveller-importer and request a "Pre CIS" before you arrive, then show the pet to ICA at the airport with paper copies of everything. Health certificates are valid 10 days.
  • Have the rabies jab whatever the paperwork says: ICA checks the vaccination certificate on arrival.

Coming home

  • To the UK: a rabies blood test, then a 3-month wait before you travel. The details
  • To the US with a dog: the CDC's high-risk rules apply, and you need a screwworm certificate from a government vet. The details

Sources: ICA (Colombia), USDA APHIS, March 2026

Argentina

Paperwork
Our cities
Buenos Aires
Allow
About a month

From the UK

  • An export health certificate (EHC 3887): a vet check within 10 days, and parasite treatment within 15 days.

From the US

  • A first rabies jab at least 21 days before entry, a vet check within 10 days of flying, and a certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS. APHIS also mentions applying to SENASA before the trip; check with SENASA.

Either way

  • An international veterinary certificate signed and sealed by your home country's vet authority, partly in Spanish, covering health, rabies and deworming. Valid 60 days.
  • UK or EU pet passports are only accepted with an official endorsement.

Coming home

  • To the UK: a GB pet health certificate issued in the last 10 days. The details
  • To the US with a dog: the CDC import form, plus a screwworm certificate from a government vet. The details

Sources: SENASA (Argentina), July 2024, USDA APHIS, March 2026

Brazil

Paperwork
Our cities
Florianopolis
Allow
About a month

From the UK

  • An export health certificate (EHC 2906), shown at the Brazilian border within 10 days of issue.

From the US

  • A health certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS, valid 60 days from the vet's signature and still valid when you arrive.

Either way

  • An international veterinary certificate from your home country's vet authority, valid 60 days. A rabies jab for pets over 90 days old, at least 21 days before travel. Parasite treatment within 15 days and a vet check within 10 days of the certificate.
  • A microchip is optional. Pets with leishmaniasis can be refused.

Coming home

  • To the UK: a rabies blood test, then a 3-month wait before you travel. The details
  • To the US with a dog: the CDC's high-risk rules apply, and you need a screwworm certificate from a government vet. The details

Sources: MAPA (Brazil), USDA APHIS, July 2026

Costa Rica

Paperwork
Our cities
Santa Teresa
Allow
About a month

From the UK

  • An export health certificate (EHC 6654).

From the US

  • A health certificate endorsed by USDA APHIS.

Either way

  • A rabies jab for pets over 3 months. Dogs also need distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis; cats need rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia.
  • Parasite treatment within 15 days before you fly, and a vet check within 2 weeks.
  • An import permit is needed if the pet travels without you or as cargo. A customs agent arranges it. Check with your airline how your pet will fly.
  • A news report quoting Costa Rica's animal health service says a microchip is needed. Fit one anyway: you'll need it to come home.

Coming home

  • To the UK: a rabies blood test, then a 3-month wait before you travel. The details
  • To the US with a dog: the CDC import form, plus a screwworm certificate from a government vet. The details

Sources: USDA APHIS, February 2026, GOV.UK, May 2026, El Observador, quoting SENASA, December 2025

Coming home

Back to Great Britain

  • Every pet: a microchip, a rabies jab at 12 weeks or older and at least 21 days before travel, the right document for the country you're coming from, and an approved route and carrier. By air, pets generally travel as cargo.
  • From an EU country: your UK Animal Health Certificate if it was issued in the last 4 months. Staying longer? Ask an official vet in the EU country for a GB pet health certificate in the 10 days before you travel. An EU pet passport also works, but they're usually only issued to people who live in the EU.
  • From a "Part 2 listed" country (UAE, Malaysia, Japan, Mexico, Argentina): a GB pet health certificate issued in the last 10 days.
  • From an unlisted country (Georgia, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Colombia, Brazil, Costa Rica): the same certificate plus a rabies blood test, taken at least 30 days after the jab, and then a 3-month wait from the blood test before you travel. Have the test done before you leave home: if you're away 3 months or more, the wait is over by the time you come back.
  • From Peninsular Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur: also a Malaysian government certificate showing no contact with pigs in the last 60 days and a negative Nipah virus blood test, taken no more than 10 days before you leave.
  • Dogs need a tapeworm treatment from a vet 1 to 5 days before arriving, except when coming straight from Malta.
  • Banned in Great Britain unless the dog already has a Certificate of Exemption: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and XL Bully. Without one, the dog can't come in.
  • If any other rule isn't met, the pet can be put in quarantine for up to 4 months, or refused entry if you come by sea. You pay the costs.

Sources: GOV.UK

Back to the United States

  • Every dog: at least 6 months old, a microchip, and a receipt for the free CDC Dog Import Form.
  • A dog that has been in a high-risk country for rabies in the last 6 months (Georgia, UAE, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Colombia or Brazil) needs more. If it was vaccinated in the US, get the "Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination" form endorsed by USDA before you leave the US. If it's the dog's first rabies jab, the form can only be done 28 days after it, so allow time. If it was vaccinated abroad, it needs a rabies blood test, a foreign vaccination certificate and a booking at a CDC-registered animal care facility at one of eight US airports.
  • Dogs coming from Mexico, Central America or South America (including Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina) also need a screwworm certificate. A government vet in that country must sign it, after checking the dog no more than 5 days before you fly. In Mexico, a vet approved by SENASICA can sign it. Check USDA APHIS's current list of affected countries before you book.
  • Cats: no federal rabies or health certificate requirement, though the CDC recommends the jab and airlines or states may ask for papers.

Sources: CDC, August 2024, CDC high-risk list, April 2026, USDA APHIS, April 2026

Where this comes from. Official sources only, named under each country: the UK government, USDA APHIS, the CDC, the European Commission and each destination's own animal health authority, checked on 9 October 2026. Where official sources disagreed or we couldn't confirm a rule, the page says so.

Not veterinary or legal advice. Pet travel rules change, and the certificate your vet completes for your trip is what counts. Check with your vet and the destination's authority before you book flights.