Requirements for Importing Cats and Dogs from the United Kingdom to Turkey

Below is a clear, step-by-step explanation of the legal requirements for non-commercial travel of pets from the UK to Turkey. These rules apply when the pet is traveling with the owner (accompanied).

Mandatory Microchip

All cats and dogs must be microchipped before receiving a rabies vaccination. The microchip must comply with ISO 11784/11785 standards and must be readable at inspection.

Rabies Vaccination

• Mandatory for all cats and dogs.
• If it is a primary vaccination, at least 21 days must pass before travel.
• The vaccination must be valid on the day of blood sampling and on the day of travel.
• If a booster is given on time (before expiry), immunity is considered continuous.

Rabies Antibody Titer Test (FAVN Blood Test)

• Required for pets entering Turkey from the UK.
• Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after a valid rabies vaccination.
• The antibody level must be ≥ 0.5 IU/ml.
• The test must be performed in an EU-recognized laboratory.
• Entry into Turkey is allowed no earlier than 3 months after the date of blood sampling.

Important: In the Export Health Certificate, the vaccination linked to the blood test must be clearly identifiable. The chronological order must be:

• Rabies vaccination
• Blood sampling for titre test
• 3-month waiting period
• Entry into Turkey

Veterinary Health Certificate (Export Health Certificate – EHC)

The certificate must be issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) in the UK within 10 days prior to travel and must include:

• Microchip details.
• Rabies vaccination information (date, product, batch number, validity).
• Rabies antibody test information (blood sampling date, result, laboratory).
• Clinical examination confirmation (performed within 24 hours before departure).

Language requirement: The UK Export Health Certificate (EHC 3818) is issued in English and is generally accepted. However, Turkish authorities may request a Turkish version or translation in specific situations. Using the official bilingual Turkish certificate format may help avoid delays.

Import Permit

No import permit is required if the pet travels accompanied by the owner. If the pet travels unaccompanied (cargo), an import permit from the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture is required.

Parasite Treatment (Deworming)

Dogs should receive treatment against internal parasites (including tapeworms) 1–5 days before travel. The treatment must be recorded by the veterinarian. This is strongly recommended to prevent complications during inspection.

Number of Pets Allowed

For non-commercial travel, up to two pets per owner are permitted. More than two animals may require additional procedures.

Transport Conditions

Pets must travel in IATA-compliant carriers. Large dogs transported in the hold should arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure to allow time for documentation and check-in procedures.

Our Services

• Pre-Travel Consultation
• Pet Travel Document Check
• Pet transportation with a courier
• Complete Pet Travel Documentation