Greece – Importing a Pet

Does Greece allow pets to be imported, and are there restrictions on which animals are permitted?

Greece permits the importation of pets, though certain categories of animals are subject to restrictions. The applicable rules closely mirror broader EU legislation, so the framework will be recognisable to anyone who has previously moved a companion animal between EU member states.

Animals recognised as pets under Greek and EU law include: dogs, cats, ferrets, spiders and other invertebrates (except bees and crustaceans), ornamental tropical fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds of all species, and rodents and domestic rabbits — on the condition that they are travelling alongside their owner and are not intended for commercial transfer or sale.

Wild fauna may not legally be kept as companion animals in Greece. The importation of wild animals — including snakes, lizards, and exotic birds — is prohibited under standard pet travel rules. Animals protected by international wildlife conventions, particularly those listed under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), are subject to entirely separate permitting arrangements and face considerably stricter oversight than ordinary companion animals.

Wolf hybrids, Savannah cats, and Bengal cats cannot be imported under standard pet travel regulations unless they are at least five generations removed from their wild ancestor. Certain dog breeds may be regarded as potentially dangerous and could attract additional requirements. If you are travelling with a breed commonly subject to restrictions elsewhere — such as a Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, or Tosa — contact the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food directly before making any travel arrangements to confirm the current position.

Reptiles, amphibians, ornamental tropical fish, spiders, and invertebrates (except bees and crustaceans) may enter without veterinary health restrictions or certification. Rodents, domestic rabbits, and birds may enter provided they are accompanied by a veterinary certificate. Birds face additional requirements relating to avian influenza testing or isolation — see the additional rules section below for further detail.

What vaccinations and health requirements do pets need before entering Greece?

The EU does not recognise any country as rabies-free. As a result, dogs, cats, and ferrets from every country of origin are subject to mandatory rabies vaccination requirements. This differs fundamentally from systems such as Australia’s, where a country’s rabies-free status can reshape the entire entry process. In Greece and throughout the EU, a current and valid rabies vaccination is required regardless of where the animal originates.

All dogs, cats, and ferrets over 12 weeks of age entering Greece must be accompanied by proof of a current rabies vaccination, administered at the same time as — or after — microchip implantation. Pets must have an original Rabies Certificate bearing the attending veterinarian’s signature, confirming that the rabies vaccine was given no fewer than 21 days before travel. Pets may travel with either a current one-year (“primary”) vaccine or a three-year vaccine administered within the past year (as of 2025). Always verify the exact timing requirements with the relevant official authority before booking, as vaccine protocols are subject to change.

For dogs travelling from countries the EU has designated as high-rabies risk, an additional step is required. These animals must first receive a microchip, then a rabies vaccination. At least 30 days after vaccination, a Blood Titre Test must be conducted using samples processed at an approved laboratory. Assuming the results fall within acceptable limits, the animal may not enter Greece until at least 3 calendar months after the date the blood sample was taken — but will be exempt from quarantine on that basis. This waiting period requires careful planning; as of 2025, the complete process for pets originating in high-rabies countries can take four months or longer from beginning to end.

Further recommended vaccinations include, for dogs: DHLPP (covering Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus) and Bordetella. For cats: FVRCP (covering Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia). While these may not constitute mandatory entry requirements, they are strongly recommended and your veterinarian can advise on what is appropriate for your individual animal. For pets travelling from outside the EU, the health certificate must be completed within 10 days prior to departure (as of 2025).

What is the application process for importing a pet into Greece, and what paperwork is required?

Every step required to satisfy the conditions for importing a dog, cat, or ferret into Greece must be completed in the country of origin. The sequence of steps matters — carrying them out in the wrong order (for instance, vaccinating before microchipping) can invalidate the paperwork entirely and require the process to begin again from scratch. Allow ample time: beginning at least 30 days before the intended travel date is recommended as a minimum, and considerably earlier if the country of origin is classified as high-rabies risk.

The following outlines the standard procedure for non-EU owners bringing up to five dogs, cats, or ferrets into Greece for non-commercial purposes:

1. Microchip your pet. Arrange for your pet to be fitted with a non-encrypted, 15-digit microchip compliant with ISO standard 11784/11785. Implantation must occur before the rabies vaccine is administered. This step is non-negotiable as the starting point — any vaccination given before the microchip is in place will not be recognised for entry purposes.
2. Administer the rabies vaccination. A licensed veterinarian must administer the rabies vaccine, and must scan the microchip before doing so. Following vaccination, all pets must wait a minimum of 21 days — or the period specified by the vaccine manufacturer, if longer — before travelling to the port of entry (as of 2025).
3. Conduct a rabies titre test if required. If your pet is coming from a country designated as high-rabies risk by the EU, a Blood Titre Test must be performed no earlier than 30 days after vaccination. Samples must be sent to an approved laboratory for analysis, and the animal cannot enter Greece until at least 3 calendar months have elapsed since the blood was collected. This step does not apply to pets travelling from EU member states or countries the EU has classified as low-risk.
4. Obtain a health certificate or pet passport. Pets arriving from an EU member state or Northern Ireland require a valid European Pet Passport. Those arriving from a non-EU country require an EU Animal Health Certificate. For pets originating outside the EU, the certificate must be formally endorsed by the relevant government authority in the country of origin — for example, a USDA-accredited state veterinarian for animals departing from the United States.
5. Ensure the health certificate is within its validity window. The animal must arrive in the EU within 10 days of the date on which the health certificate was endorsed (as of 2025). Do not let too much time elapse between official endorsement and the date of travel.
6. Prepare a non-commercial movement declaration if applicable. A written declaration must be completed and attached to the EU Animal Health Certificate confirming that the move is for non-commercial purposes. If the pet is travelling in the care of an authorised representative rather than the owner personally, the owner’s own journey must take place within five days of the animal’s journey.
7. Enter through an authorised border inspection post (BIP). Pets may only enter the EU via designated travellers’ points of entry. On arrival, the competent authorities at that point will verify the animal’s identity and examine its documentation. The additional rules section below lists the approved BIPs in Greece.
8. Register your pet in Greece after arrival. Once you are settled, your pet must be enrolled in the national EMZS database. Full details of this process are set out in the registration section below.

Before beginning any export procedure, confirm that your veterinarian is recognised and approved by the governing veterinary authority in your pet’s country of origin. The veterinarian should either work for or hold a licence from the government body responsible for overseeing the movement of live animals.

Does Greece require pets to undergo quarantine on arrival?

Greece does not impose a quarantine period on arriving pets. This brings it into line with the majority of EU member states, and stands in marked contrast to countries such as Australia and New Zealand, which operate strict biosecurity regimes requiring even vaccinated pets to spend up to ten days in government-approved quarantine facilities. For most expats relocating to Greece, the absence of quarantine represents a significant logistical advantage.

Provided all import conditions have been satisfied, no quarantine will be applied to your pet on entering Greece. If the animal does not meet the entry requirements, however, it may be held in quarantine if suitable facilities exist, returned to its country of origin, or euthanised. These decisions rest with the border authority. This underlines why completing every element of the documentation process accurately before departure is so important.

Even where paperwork is fully in order, border inspection officers retain the authority to detain a pet that appears unwell on arrival — potentially subjecting it to quarantine or other public health measures. Ensuring your animal is in good health before travelling, and that this is reflected in its documentation, is therefore an important additional precaution.

Is Greece part of any international pet travel scheme?

Greece participates fully in the EU Pet Travel Scheme, which facilitates the movement of pets between EU member states and a number of other countries, subject to conditions including proof of current rabies vaccination. As a full EU member, Greece applies identical rules to those in force across other participating states, creating a consistent framework throughout the bloc. The EU Pet Passport underpins this system, standardising veterinary checks and producing a single set of documentation that is valid across all EU member states.

For owners relocating from within the EU or from Northern Ireland, the process is comparatively uncomplicated. Pets from these locations must be accompanied by a valid EU Pet Passport, which is designed to remain valid for the lifetime of the animal. Before travelling, the owner must confirm that the rabies vaccination recorded in the passport is still current, and arrange renewal if necessary.

Owners arriving from outside the EU — including from Great Britain since January 2021 — face a different set of requirements. From 1 January 2021, EU Pet Passports previously issued to residents of Great Britain ceased to be valid for journeys from Great Britain into EU countries or Northern Ireland. Pets entering from England, Scotland, or Wales must now be accompanied by an Animal Health Certificate; UK Pet Passports are no longer accepted in place of this document.

The EU categorises countries of origin into different groups, and the specific conditions that apply when importing a dog, cat, or ferret into Greece will depend on the classification assigned to your country of origin, as well as whether your pet has spent time in an unlisted country during the previous four months. Owners should consult the EU’s country classification list at the outset of their preparations, as it determines whether a titre test is required and which type of health certificate must be obtained. The European Commission’s pet movement pages are the authoritative reference for current country classifications.

Do pet owners need to register or licence their pet after arriving in Greece?

After your pet arrives in Greece, you will have continuing legal obligations under national legislation. Companion animal ownership in Greece is primarily governed by Law 4830/2021, which established a comprehensive framework addressing animal welfare, identification, and registration — one that applies to all residents of Greece, including expats.

The EMZS (National Companion Animal Registry) is the official electronic register for companion animals in Greece, administered by the General Secretariat of Information Systems of Public Administration. It incorporates various sub-registries covering animal monitoring, welfare associations, and adoption platforms. Enrolment in this system is a legal obligation, not a voluntary measure.

Animals must be registered in the EMZS before leaving their place of birth, and within two months of birth at the latest. For animals that have already been born when acquired, identification and registration must be completed within 10 working days of the acquisition taking place. For expats arriving in Greece with an existing pet, this 10-working-day window — running from the point of establishing residence — is the critical deadline to observe.

Companion animals must be identified by an electronic microchip implanted on the left exterior of the neck, conforming to the relevant technical standards. This procedure must be carried out by a veterinarian who is certified and legally practising in Greece. If your pet already carries an ISO-compliant microchip obtained abroad, a Greek veterinarian will verify its validity and use the existing chip number to register the animal in the EMZS. Registration in the EMZS database is only possible once the animal bears an electronic tag (microchip), and the digital health booklet only becomes valid upon completion of that registration.

Law 4830/2021 provides for substantial penalties, including a fine of €3,000 for failure to mark and register dogs and cats, and €1,000 for failure to comply with animal welfare regulations (as of 2025). There is no separate annual licence fee comparable to the dog licence systems used in some other countries, but owners are required to keep their animals’ records accurate and the EMZS up to date. Keeping the registry current and ensuring that annual vaccinations and veterinary examinations are carried out are among the ongoing obligations expected of all pet owners in Greece.

Are there any additional rules or costs expats should be aware of when bringing a pet to Greece?

Approved border entry points: If you are bringing your pet into Greece by private vehicle, yacht, or aircraft, entry must be made through an authorised Border Inspection Post (BIP). Approved BIPs in Greece include the international airports at Athens and Thessaloniki, the ports of Piraeus and Thessaloniki, and railway entry points at Eidomeni and Neos Kafkasos (on the border with North Macedonia) and Promachonas (on the border with Bulgaria). Additional approved land border crossings are located at Evzonoi (North Macedonia), Kakavia (Albania), and Peplos (Turkey), as well as Ormenio and Promachonas (Bulgaria). If you are travelling on a scheduled airline, the carrier will generally handle the border inspection process at the arrival airport on your behalf.

Number of pets per person: The total number of companion animals — dogs, cats, and ferrets combined — that may accompany an owner or their authorised representative may not exceed five. An exception applies if the animals are travelling to take part in a competition or sporting event, the owner can supply written proof of registration for the event, and the animals are older than six months. Moving more than five pets in circumstances that fall outside this exception will bring the movement under commercial transport regulations.

Airline and carrier requirements: Each airline, ferry company, and rail operator may apply its own policies on transporting animals, so it is essential to check with your chosen carrier before booking to confirm their specific rules. Most airlines impose restrictions on accepting pets when temperatures along any part of the route exceed defined limits. Whether your pet can travel in the cabin or must be transported as cargo will depend on its size and weight, as well as the carrier’s own policies. Always confirm arrangements well in advance.

Pets travelling on public transport in Greece: Animals carried on public transport must be housed in a suitable and secure cage. It is obligatory to display the owner’s full name, postal address, and telephone number on the outside of the cage so that the animal can be identified and traced at any point during the journey.

Birds: Birds must be individually and permanently marked with a legible alphanumeric code. Owners travelling with birds must use an approved border inspection point on entering Greece. The bird must be examined by a licensed veterinarian within 48 hours of transport and must show no signs of disease or external parasites. A veterinary health certificate describing the bird, identifying the owner, and specifying the origin and destination must be provided. Additional requirements relating to avian influenza also apply — contact the Ministry of Rural Development and Food for current testing or isolation protocols before travelling with birds.

Costs: The cost of any laboratory testing, including the titre test where required, is borne by the pet owner. Fees for microchipping, vaccinations, and health certificate preparation are determined by individual veterinary practices in the country of origin and vary accordingly. The endorsement fee charged by a government authority for the health certificate will also differ by country. Check with the official veterinary authority in your home country for current fee schedules, as these are not set by Greek legislation.

Where can expats find official information about importing a pet into Greece?

Pet import regulations are periodically revised — sometimes with little advance notice. Always confirm the current requirements directly with official sources before making any travel arrangements. The following are the most authoritative references for pet import rules in Greece.

• Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food: This is the primary national authority responsible for veterinary and biosecurity matters, including the legislation governing pet imports. The Ministry’s website provides detailed guidance on application procedures, required documentation, and applicable fees, and is the first port of call for questions specific to Greece.
• EU Pet Travel — Your Europe (European Commission): The European Commission’s Your Europe portal explains the EU Pet Travel Scheme in accessible language, outlines country classifications, and provides current information on what documentation is required depending on where your animal is travelling from. It is the most reliable source for understanding how Greece’s requirements fit within the wider EU framework.
• European Commission — Movement of Pet Animals: This section of the Commission’s food safety website contains the underlying EU regulations, country listings, and technical guidance used by border officials and veterinarians across all EU member states, including Greece.
• Your home country’s veterinary authority: The national veterinary or biosecurity authority in your country of origin — such as the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for the United States, or the equivalent body in your country — is responsible for issuing and endorsing the health certificates required for export. These authorities maintain country-specific guidance for travel to Greece and should be consulted early in the planning process.
• The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The MFA publishes guidance on pet movement for Greek citizens residing abroad and for those relocating to Greece, and can supply contact details for the competent veterinary authorities at specific ports of entry.

As a general principle, treat any third-party summary — including this article — as a starting point for research rather than a definitive legal reference. Requirements are updated from time to time, and arriving with incomplete or incorrect documentation can have severe consequences for both you and your animal.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if my pet arrives in Greece without the correct paperwork?

If your pet fails to satisfy the import regulations, it may be placed in quarantine if suitable facilities are available, sent back to its country of origin, or euthanised. These decisions are made at the discretion of the border authority. In some cases owners are given a brief opportunity to resolve documentation issues, but this cannot be relied upon. All costs associated with quarantine or a return journey fall to the owner, which makes thorough preparation before departure essential.

How long does the full import process typically take from start to finish?

The length of the process depends significantly on where your pet is coming from. For animals arriving from EU member states, preparations may take only a few weeks, primarily to accommodate vaccination timing and the issue of an EU Pet Passport. For pets coming from non-EU countries, starting at least 30 days before the intended travel date is advisable. For animals from countries designated as high-rabies risk by the EU, the timeline is far longer: microchipping, vaccination, a 30-day wait before the titre test, laboratory processing, and the mandatory 3-month holding period before entry can push the total process to four or five months or more. Starting early is strongly recommended.

Are the rules different for cats versus dogs?

The fundamental requirements — microchipping, rabies vaccination, and health documentation — apply equally to dogs, cats, and ferrets. There are some practical differences: cats are not subject to any breed-specific restrictions in Greece, whereas certain dog breeds may be subject to additional scrutiny. Animals under three months of age are subject to the specific requirements of the destination country and may face supplementary conditions. Ferrets follow the same documentary process as dogs and cats. Always check the latest EU country classification information for your particular species before making travel arrangements.

Can I import a rescue animal I have adopted abroad?

Animals that do not travel by the same means of transport as their owner or the natural person responsible for them are treated as commercial consignments and are governed by a different and more demanding set of regulations. If you are adopting a rescue animal from overseas and it will not be travelling with you on the same journey, it will almost certainly fall under commercial import rules, which involve additional registration and documentation requirements. Contact the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food for advice specific to your situation, and ensure that the rescue organisation works with a licensed veterinary exporter.

Do I need to do anything differently if I am travelling to one of the Greek islands?

Entry to Greece through island entry points is permitted at a number of approved locations, including the ports and airports of Rhodes, Kos, Kalymnos, Mytilini (Lesvos), Myrina (Limnos), and Chios. Not every island port is approved for pet arrivals from non-EU countries, so if your route involves arriving at a smaller or less-used island port, confirm in advance that it is an authorised point of entry for pets. The same documentation requirements apply for travel between islands within Greece as apply on the mainland.

Is there a limit on the number of pets I can bring?

The combined total of dogs, cats, and ferrets accompanying an owner or their authorised representative may not exceed five. An exception exists for animals travelling to compete in official competitions or sporting events, provided the owner can produce written proof of registration for the event and the animals are at least six months old. Bringing more than five pets in any other circumstance will result in the movement being classified as commercial, triggering a more extensive set of regulatory requirements.

Will my pet need to be re-microchipped after arriving in Greece?

If your pet already carries a microchip that complies with ISO standard 11784 or 11785, a new chip will not be required. Dogs, cats, and ferrets must bear a transponder that meets ISO standard 11784 or 11785; where the transponder does not meet those standards, the owner must provide the means to read it at any inspection. A Greek veterinarian will scan the existing chip and record the number in the EMZS national database. Once implanted, the chip cannot be relocated, so ensure that your pre-travel paperwork correctly records the chip number.

What are my ongoing obligations as a pet owner once I am settled in Greece?

You are required to identify and register your animal in the EMZS national database, keep all registry entries current whenever your details or your animal’s information changes, ensure that annual vaccinations and veterinary check-ups are carried out, and comply fully with animal welfare regulations by providing appropriate shelter, nutrition, and medical care. You are also expected to have your dog or cat spayed or neutered within six months of acquisition if the animal is already over one year old, or within six months of the animal turning one year old. Failure to register your pet carries a substantial fine under Law 4830/2021, so completing registration promptly after arrival is important.