Travelling to Cyprus with Pets

Travelling to Cyprus with Pets

The entry of animals to the territory of the Republic of Cyprus must be done through its official points of entry.

If you travel from an EU member state, every pet must be individually identified (with a readable tattoo if it has been applied before the 03.07.2011 or with a microchip which must comply with the required specifications)

Required documents

  • Passport in accordance with the provisions of the Regulation (EU) No 577/2013 or the Decision 2003/803/EC, certifying a valid vaccination against rabies.
  • OR Animal Health Certificate
  • Document certifying that the animal has arrived in Cyprus from another EU Member State (if applicable).

Please note that depending on the origin of the animal, additional documents may be requested.

Vaccination Requirements

Vaccination against rabies is mandatory.

Age Restrictions

In order to be able to enter the territory of Cyprus, pet animals must be at least 105 days (15 weeks) old.

Prohibited Breeds

  • American Pitbull Terrier or Pitbull Terrier
  • Japanese Tosa or Tosa Inu
  • Dogo Argentino or Argentinian Mastiff
  • Fila Brasileiro or Brazilian Mastiff

Please also note the following:

Transportation

  • Animals should be transported in cages in accordance to IATA specifications.

Mandatory Inspection

  • Notification of Arrival: 48 hours prior to arrival, the date, time of arrival, flight number or the name of the aircraft or vessel must be communicated to the District Veterinary Officer.
  • The Veterinary Officer or the duty Customs Officer acting on behalf of the Veterinary Services will inspect the animal.
  • Animals that fulfil the relevant veterinary provisions will be allowed to enter Cyprus. If the animal does not meet the requirements, then it will be quarantined.

What happens when a pet animal does not meet the entry conditions?

In case of non-compliance with one or more of the requirements, the animal may be:

  • Returned to the country of origin;
  • Isolated in quarantine for a period that cannot exceed six months;
  • Euthanised without any compensation to the owner, if one of the aforementioned options is not possible.

Departing from Cyprus 

As the veterinary provisions regulating the non-commercial movement of pet animals may differ from one country to another, we recommend that the animal owners contact the competent authorities of the country of destination in order to ensure that all requirements are met in advance.

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The above information is provided for general purposes only and does not constitute any legal or other kind of advice.